The Mediterranean diet has various health benefits , including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health and depression .
Nutritional medicine Optimum nutrition is the foundation for optimum health . 20 Suboptimal nutrition is a leading cause of poor health . 21 There are numerous specific diets and nutrients that are personalised and individualised in vitamedicine for the person ’ s health needs .
Diets The Mediterranean diet has various health benefits , including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health and depression . 20 , 22 Vegan and vegetarian diets are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals and confer benefits on cardiometabolic and digestive health . 20 , 22 , 23 The glycaemic index diet has cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health benefits as well as reducing
20 , 22 inflammation and oxidative stress . Specific foods can be utilised for their health benefits , for example , Açaí for its antioxidant capacity , 24 apples for vascular function and reducing inflammation , 25 broccoli for its nutritional constituents and detoxification , 26 and onions for bioflavonoid content and vasodilatory properties . 20 Increasing nut consumption shows numerous benefits , including reducing inflammation , oxidative stress , and blood pressure as well as improving insulin resistance , lipid profile , and glycaemic control . 27 Reducing sugar is imperative for improving overall health . 28 Probiotics play a role in the health of the immune system , improving the health of the digestive system and mood . 29 Hydration is essential for metabolism , 30 as a carrier for nutrients and waste products , 31 for substrate transport across membranes , 30 cellular homeostasis , 30 temperature regulation , 30 , 31 and circulatory function . 30
Vitamins Vitamin A plays an essential role in cell-mediated and humoral antibody response . 32 , 33 Vitamin A is involved with the activation of retinoic acid receptors , leading to the proliferation of lymphocytes . 33 It supports a Th2- mediated anti-inflammatory cytokine profile . 32 Vitamin B1 is involved in energy metabolism , 34 , 35 metabolism of carbohydrates , 36 metabolism of glucose , 37 mitochondrial metabolism of glucose , 38 Krebs cycle activity , 34 cell signalling , 35 and cell-membrane dynamics . 35 It is involved in the metabolism of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine , 38 nerve structure and function , 39 nerve conduction and excitability , 40 and it modulates cognitive performance 41 and immune system activation . 35 Riboflavin is necessary for normal cell function and growth , 42 proper functioning of the nervous , endocrine , cardiovascular , and immune systems , 43 energy production , 42 Krebs cycle activity , 38 and normal functioning of glutathione reductase . 43 Vitamin B3 is involved in energy metabolism , 38 , 44 modulation of inflammation , 38 , 44 , 45 metabolism of DNA , 38 , 44 gene expression , 44 differentiation , 44 cell signalling 38 , 44 and
44 , 45 in the reduction of oxidative stress . Vitamin B5 is involved in energy metabolism , 38 regulation of the Krebs cycle 46 and fatty acids , 38 , 46 synthesis of phospholipids , cholesterol , and amino acids , 38 improving wound healing , 47 and it triggers immune cells to produce cytokines . 47 Vitamin B6 supports a Th1 cytokine-mediated immune response , 32 modulates immune cell function , 32 and supports neurological development 42 and the formation of haemoglobin . 42 Folate supports a Th1 cytokine-mediated immune response , 32 and is involved in DNA methylation , 42 amino acid metabolism , 42 and the synthesis of DNA , RNA , and proteins . 48 Vitamin B12 also supports a Th1 cytokine-mediated immune response , 32 is essential for
42 , 49 synthesis and regulation of DNA , cell metabolism , 42 energy production , 42 and the normal functioning of the nervous system . 50 Vitamin C modulates immune cell function and supports Th1 cytokine-mediated immune responses . 32 It enhances neutrophil chemotaxis and T-lymphocyte proliferation in response to infection and increases cytokine production and synthesis of immunoglobulins . 33 Vitamin D is involved in the health of the immune system . and overall metabolic function , 51 and is essential in both cell-mediated and humoral antibody responses . 32 It regulates immune system response , 33 increases the oxidative burst potential of macrophages , 33 and supports a Th2-
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