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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
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Inflammation is an important physiological response to maintain health and recover from injury. However, evidence shows that in the absence of acute inflammation triggers, chronic low-grade inflammation is in part responsible for causing many chronic diseases and is a promoter of aging. In particular, inflammation of the endothelium has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and an estimated 15% of all cancers (including bladder, esophageal, prostate and thyroid cancer). Recent evidence has emerged that points to the effect of lifestyle factors as modifiers of this low-grade inflammation. In a recent review, the Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with inflammation, particularly with C-reactive protein, TNF-α and IL-6 biomarkers. Moreover, participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were inversely associated with fibrinogen, which indicates better endothelium function and thus a lower risk of thrombo-embolic events.
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Diet is a modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes in addition to being a leading risk factor for overall mortality and morbidity. Studying the association between legume consumption and type 2 diabetes is complicated due to the inconsistency in the definition of legumes. In a recent meta-analysis, no evidence was found regarding the possible association between legume intake and type 2 diabetes in several countries. An interesting approach to these findings is proposed, in which accompanying foods reflecting cultural customs, i.e. dietary patterns, could not be taken into consideration (data was not available). Hence, the researchers pointed out potential confounding due to cooking methods or other ingredients consumed alongside legumes. According to specific cultural trends, legume consumption among Mediterranean countries is typically characterized by incorporating vegetables, and in some cases with tubers and cereals such as rice. Given these characteristics, it could be speculated that if said confounders were taken into account, a more precise measurement of the effects of legume consumption would be obtained.
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