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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
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Digestive system diseases
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Mediterranean diet contains a large amount of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds (secondary plant metabolites) are contained in a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, oils, coffee, chocolate and spices. These compounds show a wide structural diversity and can commonly be grouped into five classes: flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, lignans, and other polyphenols.
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Phenolic compounds favor the elimination of reactive oxygen species. Some of these protective characteristics also have effects on human health, promoting longevity by reducing the incidence of chronic diseases (cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease). The absorption, transport, bioavailability and bioactivity of polyphenols after food intake vary according to the type of compound. Some of them are absorbed in the stomach, while others, compounds such as catechins, flavanols and flavones, pass directly into the circulatory system through the small intestine. The absorption of phenolic compounds is also linked to microbial activity and digestive enzymes. During its absorption, the interactions of phenolic compounds can modulate potential risk factors for chronic diseases by promoting cardioprotective effects and improving insulin sensitivity.
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Due to the importance of these compounds, in a relatively young Mediterranean cohort, the consumption of polyphenols was analyzed in 16,147 Spanish participants on cardiovascular disease for a median of 12.2 years. The results obtained were that a suboptimal intake of phenolic compounds was independently associated with an increased risk of CVD (HR= 1.85 (95% CI: 1.09–3.16)) in the most adjusted model, this study also suggested that a moderate to high dietary intake of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, is likely to reduce CVD incidence in the context of a Mediterranean dietary pattern.
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In addition to observational studies, a meta-analysis that collected information from clinical trials also provided evidence on the possible cardiovascular benefits of a diet rich in flavonol. On the other hand, a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies found that flavonol intake was inversely associated with CVD risk in US or European populations. In addition, the results of the dose-response analysis indicated that an average increase of 10 mg/day in flavonol intake was associated with a 5% lower risk of CVD.
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