Open Access
Overlap of orthorexia, eating attitude and psychological distress in some Italian and Spanish university students
(Baishideng Publishing Group, 2022) Aiello, Paola; Toti, Elisabetta; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Raguzzini, Anna; Peluso, Ilaria; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Background Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is the persistent concern of maintaining the self-imposed diet to improve one's health. Many factors have been associated to ON in university students. AIM To assess the prevalence of ON in Italian and Spanish university students in relation to eating attitude and psychological distress, and the possible overlaps between ON (evaluated with different scored questionnaires from the originally proposed ORTO-15), distress and risk of eating disorders. Methods This study was carried out on 160 students recruited at La Sapienza University of Rome and at the Catholic University of Murcia. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate ON (ORTO-15 and sub-scores), body concerns (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, MBSRQ, and Body Uneasiness test, BUT), psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), eating attitude (Eating Attitudes Test, EAT-26) and malnutrition (Starvation Symptom Inventory, SSI). Sex differences, within the same country, and differences between Italian and Spanish students, within the same sex, were evaluated. RESULTS The ORTO-15 positive subjects, assessed with the originally proposed cut-off, were above 70% in both Italian and Spanish students, with a higher prevalence in the Spanish sample (Italian females 76.3%, Italian males 70.7%; Spanish females 97.0%, Spanish males 96.3%). According to ORTO-7, about 30% of Italian and 48% of Spanish students were positive to ON with no significant sex differences. When excluding students underweight (UW), overweight (OW) or obese (OB), as well as those potentially at risk of eating disorders or presenting mild, moderate and severe distress, in the resultant normal weight (NW)-K10neg-EAT26neg subgroup, we did not find many correlations observed in the whole sample, including those between ORTO scores and BUT, SSI, Total MBSRQ and some of its components. Moreover, ORTO7 resulted in the only ON score unrelated with Body Mass Index, MBSRQ components and IPAQassessed intense activity, in the NW-K10neg-EAT-26neg subgroup. After this sort of “exclusion diagnosis”, the prevalence of ON of these students on the overall sample resulted in 16.9%, 12.2%, 15.2% and 25.9% for Italian females, Italian males, Spanish females and Spanish males, respectively. Conclusion In some university students ON could be a symptom of other conditions related to body image concerns and distress, as well as to high physical activity and appearance, fitness, health or illness orientation (from MBSRQ). However, ORTO-7 became independent from these confounding variables, after the exclusion of UW, OW, OB and students positive to EAT-26 and K10, suggesting the possibility of identifying orthorexic subjects with this specific questionnaire.
Open Access
Body composition and metabolic status of Italian and Spanish university students: relationship with fruit and vegetable consumption
(MDPI, 2022) Aiello, Paola; Peluso, Ilaria; Di Giacomo, Silvia; Di Sotto, Antonella; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and Spanish university students, in relation with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food consumption, adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), level of physical activity (PA), blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ketones, blood pressure, and body composition were evaluated. Among CVD risk factors, only glucose was significantly higher in Spaniards (SP), and only 3.1% of SP presented ketosis. SP had a higher percentage of energy from fat. Although adherence to MD and fruit and vegetable consumption did not differ between Italians and SP, students who consumed at least four servings of fruit and vegetables (FV group) showed better values for pressure and metabolic parameters than the no FV group. We observed an association between consumption of fruit and PA. Students who consumed more vegetables than fruit reported a better body composition profile and lower glucose concentrations. As previously suggested, in addition to PA, two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day should be recommended.
Open Access
Nutrición y dietética en el climaterio
(Eunate, 2024) Villaño Valencia, Débora; Zornoza Cebeiro, Arantza; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Es necesario establecer unos conceptos para definir una de las etapas vitales de la mujer como son: la menopausia es una fecha, el momento en que cesan de modo permanente las funciones del ovario y, por ello, los ciclos fisiológicos de la menstruación; la perimenopausia es el período caracterizado por el conjunto de fenómenos que se manifiestan por una serie de cambios biológicos, endocrinológicos y clínicos; y la transición menopáusica es el período que precede al período menstrual final y que se caracteriza por un aumento de la variabilidad menstrual. Actualmente existe un consenso sobre el establecimiento de tres fases principales en el patrón reproductivo feme-nino, según los criterios STRAW10+ (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop): etapa reproductiva, transición a la menopausia, y postmenopausia (Harlow y cols., 2012). A su vez estas fases están divididas en función del momento de menopausia1, que es una fecha concreta (cese de periodo menstrual durante 12 meses consecutivos) y tiene lugar en torno a los 50 años. En este sentido, puede decirse que hay un paralelismo entre la menopausia y la pubertad. En la pubertad, existe un momento, la menarquia y luego hay un período, el período puberal que se extiende antes, durante y después de la menarquia. Actualmente existe un consenso sobre el establecimiento de tres fases principales en el patrón reproductivo femenino, según los criterios STRAW10+ (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop): etapa reproductiva, transición a la menopausia, y postmenopausia. A su vez estas fases están divididas en función del momento de menopausia, que es una fecha concreta (cese de periodo menstrual durante 12 meses consecutivos) y tiene lugar en torno a los 50 años. En este sentido, puede decirse que hay un paralelismo entre la menopausia y la pubertad. En la pubertad, existe un momento, la menarquia y luego hay un período, el período puberal que se extiende antes, durante y después de la menarquia.
Open Access
Biological effects of stevia, sucralose and sucrose in citrus-maqui juices on overweight subjects
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2021-07-01) Zafrilla, Pilar; Masoodi, Hedyeh; Cerdá, Begoña; García-Viguera, Cristina; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Background: In the last few years there has been emerging interest in substituting added sugars from juices with other sweeteners to make them healthier. But their long-term effects have been poorly evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the addition of stevia, sucralose and sucrose (control) to maqui-citrus beverages on antioxidant and inflammatory status. Methods: a 3-arm parallel, randomized and triple blind clinical trial was performed in overweight subjects (n = 138), who consumed the test beverage (330 mL day-1) for 60 days. The following markers were determined: antioxidant status (ORAC, homocysteine, and oxidized LDL), safety parameters (ALP, AST, ALT, and total bilirubin), lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-10). Results: The homocysteine levels significantly increased after consumption of sucralose (27%, p = 0.001) and sucrose (40%, p = 0.006). A significant increase in the IL-10 concentration after consumption of the stevia sweetened beverage, and in ORAC values (21%) in subjects with lower basal antioxidant status were observed. The HDL and total cholesterol levels significantly increased after consumption of sucralose (p = 0.039) and sucrose (p = 0.001), respectively. No changes in triglycerides, LDL or oxidized LDL were observed. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and an inflammatory response were observed after consumption of these sweetened beverages, with the exception of stevia, which produced an anti-inflammatory response. The possible antioxidative effects of this polyphenol-rich beverage may only benefit those individuals with poorer antioxidant status. Many randomized controlled trials at normal levels of consumption using commonly consumed sweeteners are necessary to clarify their roles in health.
Open Access
Potential role of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases
(Frontiers Media, 2022) Arcusa, Raúl; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Marhuenda, Javier; Cano, Miguel; Cerdá, Begoña; Zafrilla, Pilar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Ginger is composed of multiple bioactive compounds, including 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 10-gingerol, gingerdiones, gingerdiols, paradols, 6-dehydrogingerols, 5-acetoxy-6-gingerol, 3,5-diacetoxy-6-gingerdiol, and 12-gingerol, that contribute to its recognized biological activities. Among them, the major active compounds are 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol. Scientific evidence supports the beneficial properties of ginger, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and in contrast, a specific and less studied bioactivity is the possible neuroprotective effect. The increase in life expectancy has raised the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), which present common neuropathological features as increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and protein misfolding. The structure-activity relationships of ginger phytochemicals show that ginger can be a candidate to treat NDs by targeting different ligand sites. Its bioactive compounds may improve neurological symptoms and pathological conditions by modulating cell death or cell survival signaling molecules. The cognitive enhancing effects of ginger might be partly explained via alteration of both the monoamine and the cholinergic systems in various brain areas. Moreover, ginger decreases the production of inflammatory related factors. The aim of the present review is to summarize the effects of ginger in the prevention of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Open Access
Ginger in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
(IntechOpen, 2022) Cerdá, Begoña; Marhuenda, Javier; Arcusa, Raúl; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Ballester, Purificación; Zafrilla, Pilar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, used in traditional medicine for treatment of a variety of conditions. Many pharmacological activities have been reported for this plant (anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, cancer-chemopreventive, and anti-lipidemic). Cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, several studies have described that ginger can control or improve some cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, hypertension, or atherosclerosis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the effects of ginger bioactive compounds on cardiovascular diseases.
Open Access
Alcohol consumption by italian and spanish university students in relation to adherence to the mediterranean diet and to the food neophobia: a pilot study
(MDPI, 2022) Aiello, Paola; Peluso, Ilaria; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
This work aimed to relate alcohol consumption with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and with food neophobia (FN) among Italian and Spanish university students. Volunteers (n = 194, 108 Italian and 86 Spanish), recruited at the La Sapienza University of Rome and the Catholic University of Murcia, filled in standardized questionnaires to evaluate alcohol consumption (AUDIT), FN (FN Scale: FNS), and adherence to the MD (MDS-14, MED-55, QueMD). In addition to the previously reported QueMD sub-score (aMED), a sub-score for non-typical MD foods (ntMED, carbonated and/or sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks), butter, margarine, or cooking cream, and manufactured sweets, pastries, and cakes) was evaluated. Italian females had higher MED-55 and FNS scores, and a lower AUDIT score than Spaniards (p < 0.01). Students who stayed with their family (resident) were more adherent to MD than those who moved away from home. Resident Italians consumed less beer, hard liquors, and cocktails than Spaniards on Saturday nights (p < 0.01). There were negative correlations between AUDIT and QueMD (R squared: 0.137, p < 0.05), and AUDIT and ntMED (R squared: 0.201, p < 0.01) in Spaniards, however, there was no relationship between AUDIT and other MD scores. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that non-typical MD foods and Saturday night consumptions, related to being far from home, have a great impact on alcohol consumption.
Open Access
Effects of a fruit and vegetable-based nutraceutical on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative status in the plasma of a healthy population: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized clinical trial
(MDPI, 2021) Arcusa, Raúl; Carrillo, Juan Ángel; Xandri-Martínez, Raquel; Cerdá, Begoña; Villaño Valencia, Débora; Marhuenda, Javier; Zafrilla, Pilar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines.
Open Access
Effect of black garlic consumption on endothelial function and lipid profile: a before-and-after study in hypercholesterolemic and non-hypercholesterolemic subjects
(MDPI, 2023) Villaño Valencia, Débora; Marhuenda, Javier; Arcusa, Raúl; Moreno-Rojas, José Manuel; Cerdá, Begoña; Pereira-Caro, Gema; Zafrilla, Pilar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Background: Black garlic is obtained from raw garlic (Allium sativum L.), by a fermentation process, under humidity and heat treatment, showing a high concentration of organosulfur compounds, which have been related to benefits in the prevention or delay of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The objective of the research was to evaluate whether long-term consumption of black garlic improves endothelial function and lipid profile in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Single center, controlled clinical trial with two branches: Hypercholesterolemia vs. Healthy condition. Sixty-two subjects of both sexes were distributed in two groups, the hypercholesterolemia group (n = 31) (total cholesterol (TC) range 200-300 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol range 135-175 mg/dL) and the healthy group (n = 31). The intervention consisted of the ingestion of 4 cloves of black garlic (12 g) daily for 12 weeks. Results: significant increases in Apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 occurred in both groups: Hypercholesterolemia (& UDelta; 11.8 mg/dL p < 0.001) vs Healthy (& UDelta; 11.1 mg/dL p < 0.001). Besides, significant reductions for endothelial adhesion molecules monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (& UDelta; -121.5 pg/mL p = 0.007 vs. & UDelta; -56.3 pg/mL p = 0.015), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (& UDelta; -39.3 ng/mL p < 0.001 vs. & UDelta; 63.5 ng/mL p < 0.001), and vascular cyto-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (& UDelta; -144.4 ng/mL p < 0.001 vs. & UDelta; -83.4 ng/mL p = 0.061) were observed, for hypercholesterolemic and healthy subjects, respectively. Conclusions: These data show that black garlic consumption could improve some parameters related to endothelial function and lipid profile, which may have a favorable impact on the risk of CVDs, although more long-term studies are necessary to confirm.
Open Access
Revalorisation of broccoli crop surpluses and field residues: novel ingredients for food industry uses
(Springer, 2023) Villaño Valencia, Débora; Fernández Pan, Idoya; Arozarena Martinicorena, Íñigo; Ibáñez Moya, Francisco C.; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Beriain Apesteguía, María José; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Research on the management of broccoli crop residues and surpluses is critical for improving agricultural practices, optimizing food industrial manufacture, and contributing to better human nutrition. The objective of this study was to obtain novel ingredients based on these residues and surpluses for a wide range of applications in the food industry. The efect of air-drying (60 °C or 80 °C) applied to feld residues (broccoli stalks), mimicking industrial conditions, was compared with dehydration by freeze-drying applied to these same feld residues and to crop surpluses (broccoli whole plant). Thus, diferent broccoli fours were obtained and characterised for technological and biological properties including colour, antioxidant activity, nutrients, total polyphenol content, and content of glucosinolates. Flours from feld residues showed high levels of dietary fbre (≈22% dry weight). Broccoli crop surpluses fours had relevant contents of glucosinolates (≈13 mg/g dry weight). Therefore, within the framework of the circular economy, these fours are proposed to revalorise the two main broccoli crop discarded fractions. Such fours could be used in a realistic and simple way by the agri-food industries interested in the development of healthy and conscience foodstufs, in a cost-efcient manner.