Nutrition and diet form the bedrock of human survival and well-being, influencing not only indivi... more Nutrition and diet form the bedrock of human survival and well-being, influencing not only individual health but also the socioeconomic stability and development of entire civilizations. Historically, the ability of societies to secure adequate food resources has often dictated their rise and fall. Despite modern advancements in agricultural productivity and food distribution, the paradox of global food security remains. While many enjoy unprecedented access to diverse food choices, approximately one in nine people globally still suffer from hunger or malnutrition. This dichotomy underscores the critical need to address both the availability and quality of food to enhance public health. Food insecurity is not limited to developing nations; it is a significant concern in affluent countries as well. Economic pressures force many individuals to make difficult choices between essential living expenses such as rent, transportation, and utilities, often at the expense of their nutritional needs. This economic strain leads to the consumption of inexpensive, calorie-dense, but nutrient-poor foods such as white bread and hotdogs. These dietary choices contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers. Beyond economic constraints, numerous factors influence food selection, including habits, taste preferences, and cultural traditions. These elements shape dietary choices even among the wealthy. Cultural and traditional food practices can either support or hinder healthy eating habits. For example, traditional diets often include nutrient-rich foods that can be promoted as part of a healthy eating plan. Public health campaigns that respect and incorporate cultural food practices are more likely to be successful in encouraging healthy eating behaviors. Behavioral interventions, such as educational programs, cooking classes, and community-based initiatives, can also effectively promote healthier eating habits. By addressing both cultural and behavioral factors, public health initiatives can create supportive environments that encourage healthy eating. Access to nutritious food is influenced by a variety of barriers that can differ significantly depending on the location. These barriers can be broadly categorized into geographic, economic, social, and policy-related factors:
Journal of The American College of Nutrition, 2001
Cocoa and chocolate products have been delicacies for hundreds of years. Only recently have they ... more Cocoa and chocolate products have been delicacies for hundreds of years. Only recently have they been recognized as significant sources of phytochemicals with healthful effects. These foods are among the most concentrated sources of the procyanidin flavonoids, catechin and epicatechin. Recent studies have shown that these polyphenols are absorbed from the intestine of animals and humans with epicatechin absorbed much more than catechin. These flavonoids have potent antioxidant and antiplatelet activities following consumption of cocoa or chocolate.
Journal of The American College of Nutrition, Aug 1, 2010
This investigation on a homogenous cohort of young adult Caucasian type 1 diabetic (IDDM) patient... more This investigation on a homogenous cohort of young adult Caucasian type 1 diabetic (IDDM) patients (1) aimed at studying the occurrence of low bone mineral density (BMD) at an early stage prior to menopause (i.e., during the first decade after peak bone mass) and (2) elucidating the possible mechanisms underlying IDDM-induced bone complication. Twenty-seven female patients with insulin-treated and well-controlled diabetes, without renal complications, and 32 well-matched healthy controls, aged between 30 and 40 years and fulfilling rigorous inclusion criteria to minimize bone-confounding factors, were enrolled. Areal BMD was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at axial (lumbar spine) and appendicular (femur) sites, using diagnostic WHO reference (T-scores). Osteoblast functions, bone metabolism, related key minerals, and 2 osteoclast-stimulating calciotropic hormones regulating their serum levels were assessed biochemically. The number of cases with low BMD (T-score below -1.1 SD) was almost 2-fold greater (p < 0.01) in the IDDM group. BMD was significantly lower in this group for 3 lumbar sites (p < 0.01) and femur Ward's triangle (p < 0.05). Bone formation was reduced, as evidenced by the suppressions of osteocalcin (OC; p < 0.01) and IGF-I (p < 0.001). However, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) was induced (p < 0.01), in contrast to what is usually observed in cases of reduced bone formation. Correlated total ALP activity was also significantly increased. There was no change in the specific marker of bone resorption (urinary deoxypyridinoline). Serum calcium was significantly elevated, particularly after adjustment for albumin (p < 0.001), despite lower 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (p < 0.001) and no elevation of PTH. All significant bone-related biochemical changes were significantly correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin, a clinical indicator of long-term glycemic control, indicating a direct effect of the disease. Bone loss in the IDDM group results from a decrease in bone formation rather than an increase of bone resorption. The induction of bALP is indicative of impaired osteoblast differentiation and maturation, which delayed (down-regulated) later stages of matrix mineralization, as evidenced by lower OC and BMD.
Wave reflection (augmentation pressure [AP] and index [AIx]) is greater in older women than men. ... more Wave reflection (augmentation pressure [AP] and index [AIx]) is greater in older women than men. Resting AP is a better wave reflection index than AIx in older adults. The negative relationship between wave reflection and lean mass (LM) has been inconsistent. We investigated the impact of age and LM on aortic hemodynamic responses to metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women, younger and older (n=20 per group) than 60years, performed 2-min isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal force followed by 3-min post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) at rest, and aortic systolic blood pressure (aSBP), pulse pressure (aPP), AP, AIx, and AIx-adjusted for heart rate (AIx@75) at rest and during PEMI using tonometry. Arm and leg LM were measured by DEXA. Resting cfPWV, aSBP, and aPP were higher, while AIx@75 and leg LM were lower in older than younger women. aSBP and aPP increased similarly during PEMI in both groups. Increases in AP (P<0.05), AIx (P<0.05), and AIx@75 (P<0.01) during PEMI were greater in older than younger women. From these responses, only AP during PEMI was correlated (P<0.05) positively with aSBP and aPP responses, and negatively with leg LM. Resting faPWV, but not cfPWV, was correlated…
It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health conce... more It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health concern, particularly in postmenopausal women, where one in two women over the age of 50 suffer from an o...
Blackberry, raspberry and black raspberry polyphenols reduce angiotensin II-induced oxidative str... more Blackberry, raspberry and black raspberry polyphenols reduce angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells.
It is estimated that approximately 11–20 percent of older adults in the United States suffer from... more It is estimated that approximately 11–20 percent of older adults in the United States suffer from some form of mental disorder, such as anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that dietary facto...
Nutrition and diet form the bedrock of human survival and well-being, influencing not only indivi... more Nutrition and diet form the bedrock of human survival and well-being, influencing not only individual health but also the socioeconomic stability and development of entire civilizations. Historically, the ability of societies to secure adequate food resources has often dictated their rise and fall. Despite modern advancements in agricultural productivity and food distribution, the paradox of global food security remains. While many enjoy unprecedented access to diverse food choices, approximately one in nine people globally still suffer from hunger or malnutrition. This dichotomy underscores the critical need to address both the availability and quality of food to enhance public health. Food insecurity is not limited to developing nations; it is a significant concern in affluent countries as well. Economic pressures force many individuals to make difficult choices between essential living expenses such as rent, transportation, and utilities, often at the expense of their nutritional needs. This economic strain leads to the consumption of inexpensive, calorie-dense, but nutrient-poor foods such as white bread and hotdogs. These dietary choices contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers. Beyond economic constraints, numerous factors influence food selection, including habits, taste preferences, and cultural traditions. These elements shape dietary choices even among the wealthy. Cultural and traditional food practices can either support or hinder healthy eating habits. For example, traditional diets often include nutrient-rich foods that can be promoted as part of a healthy eating plan. Public health campaigns that respect and incorporate cultural food practices are more likely to be successful in encouraging healthy eating behaviors. Behavioral interventions, such as educational programs, cooking classes, and community-based initiatives, can also effectively promote healthier eating habits. By addressing both cultural and behavioral factors, public health initiatives can create supportive environments that encourage healthy eating. Access to nutritious food is influenced by a variety of barriers that can differ significantly depending on the location. These barriers can be broadly categorized into geographic, economic, social, and policy-related factors:
Journal of The American College of Nutrition, 2001
Cocoa and chocolate products have been delicacies for hundreds of years. Only recently have they ... more Cocoa and chocolate products have been delicacies for hundreds of years. Only recently have they been recognized as significant sources of phytochemicals with healthful effects. These foods are among the most concentrated sources of the procyanidin flavonoids, catechin and epicatechin. Recent studies have shown that these polyphenols are absorbed from the intestine of animals and humans with epicatechin absorbed much more than catechin. These flavonoids have potent antioxidant and antiplatelet activities following consumption of cocoa or chocolate.
Journal of The American College of Nutrition, Aug 1, 2010
This investigation on a homogenous cohort of young adult Caucasian type 1 diabetic (IDDM) patient... more This investigation on a homogenous cohort of young adult Caucasian type 1 diabetic (IDDM) patients (1) aimed at studying the occurrence of low bone mineral density (BMD) at an early stage prior to menopause (i.e., during the first decade after peak bone mass) and (2) elucidating the possible mechanisms underlying IDDM-induced bone complication. Twenty-seven female patients with insulin-treated and well-controlled diabetes, without renal complications, and 32 well-matched healthy controls, aged between 30 and 40 years and fulfilling rigorous inclusion criteria to minimize bone-confounding factors, were enrolled. Areal BMD was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at axial (lumbar spine) and appendicular (femur) sites, using diagnostic WHO reference (T-scores). Osteoblast functions, bone metabolism, related key minerals, and 2 osteoclast-stimulating calciotropic hormones regulating their serum levels were assessed biochemically. The number of cases with low BMD (T-score below -1.1 SD) was almost 2-fold greater (p < 0.01) in the IDDM group. BMD was significantly lower in this group for 3 lumbar sites (p < 0.01) and femur Ward's triangle (p < 0.05). Bone formation was reduced, as evidenced by the suppressions of osteocalcin (OC; p < 0.01) and IGF-I (p < 0.001). However, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) was induced (p < 0.01), in contrast to what is usually observed in cases of reduced bone formation. Correlated total ALP activity was also significantly increased. There was no change in the specific marker of bone resorption (urinary deoxypyridinoline). Serum calcium was significantly elevated, particularly after adjustment for albumin (p < 0.001), despite lower 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (p < 0.001) and no elevation of PTH. All significant bone-related biochemical changes were significantly correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin, a clinical indicator of long-term glycemic control, indicating a direct effect of the disease. Bone loss in the IDDM group results from a decrease in bone formation rather than an increase of bone resorption. The induction of bALP is indicative of impaired osteoblast differentiation and maturation, which delayed (down-regulated) later stages of matrix mineralization, as evidenced by lower OC and BMD.
Wave reflection (augmentation pressure [AP] and index [AIx]) is greater in older women than men. ... more Wave reflection (augmentation pressure [AP] and index [AIx]) is greater in older women than men. Resting AP is a better wave reflection index than AIx in older adults. The negative relationship between wave reflection and lean mass (LM) has been inconsistent. We investigated the impact of age and LM on aortic hemodynamic responses to metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women, younger and older (n=20 per group) than 60years, performed 2-min isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal force followed by 3-min post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) at rest, and aortic systolic blood pressure (aSBP), pulse pressure (aPP), AP, AIx, and AIx-adjusted for heart rate (AIx@75) at rest and during PEMI using tonometry. Arm and leg LM were measured by DEXA. Resting cfPWV, aSBP, and aPP were higher, while AIx@75 and leg LM were lower in older than younger women. aSBP and aPP increased similarly during PEMI in both groups. Increases in AP (P<0.05), AIx (P<0.05), and AIx@75 (P<0.01) during PEMI were greater in older than younger women. From these responses, only AP during PEMI was correlated (P<0.05) positively with aSBP and aPP responses, and negatively with leg LM. Resting faPWV, but not cfPWV, was correlated…
It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health conce... more It is estimated that ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis which is a major health concern, particularly in postmenopausal women, where one in two women over the age of 50 suffer from an o...
Blackberry, raspberry and black raspberry polyphenols reduce angiotensin II-induced oxidative str... more Blackberry, raspberry and black raspberry polyphenols reduce angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells.
It is estimated that approximately 11–20 percent of older adults in the United States suffer from... more It is estimated that approximately 11–20 percent of older adults in the United States suffer from some form of mental disorder, such as anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that dietary facto...
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Papers by Bahram Arjmandi