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Author
Gassiot Goula, Jaume
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Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is an alimentary pattern and a style of life that according to the WHO can lower de risk of developing a noncommunicable disease. In the other side the offer of new exotic food products with health claims has been increasing in the last decade. What are the real health related effects of some of this products (chia, goji berries, açai and turmeric)? How can the inclusion of this products change the nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet?
In this project a bibliographic review of each one of the food products has been done to find out the health effects and evaluate its inclusion in the Mediterranean diet.
Chia seeds have anti-inflammatory effects, can help reduce weigh, waist circumference, increase the levels of omega 3 and in other studies it has been seen that they can reduce the systolic blood pressure and triglycerides. Goji berries help reduce the waist circumference, the genetic expression of IL-6 and TNF- α, increase the macular pigment optical density, reduce the risk of macular degeneration in healthy patients, and they help to maintain the visual acuity in retinitis pigmentosa. Açai improves the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase values. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, helps reduce weigh, IMC, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, increases HDL and improves endothelial function and HbA1c values. All four food products can make increase the nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet.
Key words: Mediterranean diet, chia, goji berries, açai, turmeric.
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