Allium vegetables are highly nutritional, its dietary use improves digestion and mental health and lower down cholesterol level. Use of onions, garlic, scallions, chives and leeks show therapeutic efficacy against cardiovascular disease, hyperglycemia, and stomach cancer, Onions contain allylsulfides and flavonoids particularly quercetin that is an important anti-oxidative and reduces hepatocytes apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Steroid saponins and sapogenins present in garlic bulbs are used to prepare soft soaps. β-chlorogenin is a characteristic steroid sapogenin from garlic that is used for skin ointment and as a shiner. Both garlic paste and soft garlic preparations are used for flavoring the food items. Garlic products that contain the most safe, effective, stable, and odorless components are the most valuable as dietary supplements. Garlic also contains non sulfur compounds such as steroid saponins. Alliums showed antimicrobial, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-hyperlipidaemic, antiarthritic, anti-hyperglycemic anticarcinogenic potential. Allium vegetables contain organosulfur compounds, including DATS, diallyl disulfide (DADS), ajoene, and S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), have been found to induce cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. Alliums have great ethnomedicinal importance as these are used as native remedies against wide spectrum of diseases including diabetes. Allium origin natural products are of great therapeutic and dietary use. These are most preferred items used by nutritionists, physicians, food technologists, food chemists. Green allium vegetables are good source of natural pharmaceutics which are good for health and act against nutritionally induced acute and chronic diseases. Their possible inclusion in diets could explore new therapeutic avenues to enhance immunity against diseases.
Musaceae is a perennial tree-like plant that is cultivated all over the world in various tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit, peel, leaves, pseudo-stem, stalk, and inflorescence (flower) of this plant, among other parts, are utilized in traditional medicine to treat several health problems. The banana stem juice has potential biological effects, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-helminthic, wound-healing, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-urolithic activities. Consequently, it can be said that banana stem juice contains adequate levels of healthy secondary metabolites that are essential for maintaining good health. To find novel approaches for treating and preventing a wide range of medical diseases, more studies into the medicinal potential of banana stem juice can be done. Hence, this review emphasizes Musaceae stem juice's medicinal and nutritional benefits as review.
Background: Low-molecular components of colostrum (LMWCC) have a pronounced biological activity. We investigated the effect of different doses of LMWCC (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 5 g/100 g of body weight) on the behavior, dynamics of growth, acute and chronic toxicity, as well as the relative weight of the liver, spleen and kidneys of the experimental animals. Methods: We used 100 3-month male rats in the experiment. All animals were divided into 5 groups of 20 animals in each group, LMWCC was administered per os, and the control group received sterile water. Results: LMWCC revealed no pirogenic effect in a wide diapason of doses (0,01-5 g/100 g of animal mass). Immediately after the LMWCC administration the short-time decrease in the motion activity was observed. The low doses of LMWCC induced diarrhea in 10-20 % of of animals, the super-large dose – in 75% of animals. The acute toxicity of LMWCC (death of 15 % of animals) was detected only in super-large dose of LMWCC and it was accompanied by pronounced diarrhea. LMWCC influenced the mass of liver, spleen and kidney. 60 days after LMWCC administration the mass of liver was restored to control weight, but the mass of spleen and kidney was not restored. Conclusion: LMWCCdo not have chronic toxicity and can be attributed to non-toxic compounds with a possible side effect - a violation of the digestive system.
Açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius) is highly perishable, so it sought to apply conservation techniques that make its commercialization more bearable such as dehydration by the tray. This thermal technique that significantly inactivates harmful enzymes and microorganisms prolongs their shelf life but has the disadvantage that it decreases the proportion of bioactive components and its antioxidant power. The present work aims to estimate the content and antioxidant activity of the bioactive compounds of açaí powder supplied in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) vegetable capsules. For this purpose, total polyphenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau test, total anthocyanin’s by the differential pH test, and the antioxidant capacity in vitro DPPH method (using Trolox and Vitamin C equivalent). Also, the effect of consumption of four daily capsules on a healthy population (10 people) between the ages of 33-65 years old evaluated through a 10-day intervention study in which the following biomarkers in blood assessed: glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and 8-isoprostane. The açaí powder showed a total polyphenol content of 962.7±22.2 mg EAG/100g, total anthocyanin’s up to 938.5±19.1 mg C3GE/100g, the antioxidant capacity of 643±24.32 µmol TE/100g and 14.07±0.45 g VCE/100g. In the intervention study, no significant differences were observed between before and after the different biochemical markers except for 8-isoprostane, suggesting that the consumption of dehydrated açaí caused effects benefices in the population tested.
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme which has the zinc as the metallic part of it. This enzyme catalyzes the reversible reaction of turning carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. In this research the mechanism of inhibition a new class of inhibitor of this enzyme, glycosyl coumarin has been modeled using the density functional theory (DFT). First, the most constant confirmer of this four coumarin sugar derivatives which includes galactose, mannose, ribose and glucose has been selected and then they had been interacted as inhibitor with CA (II) enzyme’s active site. In further for showing the effect of sugar in these molecules, coumarin itself had been chosen as inhibitor and the inhibitory effect is surveyed. All calculations have been done by density functional theory in level of B3LYP with basic set 6-31G* and with Minnesota function M06 with basic set 6-31+G*. Thermodynamic functions like enthalpy of formation, entropy of formation and Gibbs free energy for CA-inhibitor have been computed. The results indicate that the reaction among these groups of inhibitors and Carbonic anhydrase is not of the type of direct and syndetic but the enzyme is deactivated with space effect and addition to this, the computed thermodynamic functions show that although this coumarin sugar derives have deterrence in the range of micro molar but, coumarin without sugar is a stronger deterrence for CA II. Finally, the interaction between the most constant confirmer (galactose coumarin) is surveyed as the best deterrence using the explicit solvent method.
Oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, hypercoagulability, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are key elements in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress has been implicated as well in most of the key steps in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the consequential clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the formation of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress acute thrombotic events, including dyslipidemia, the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and plaque rupture leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. In the last decades, multiple experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that diet plays a central role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of nature’s most concentrated sources of antioxidants. It contains some very potent antioxidants (i.e. tannins, anthocyanins and flavonoids), which provide a wide spectrum of action against free radicals and are considered to be potent anti-atherogenic products. These properties make pomegranate a healthy fruit with a high potential in preventing cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we give an overview on the newest insights in the role of pomegranate in therapy of vascular diseases.
The purpose of this study is to observe, analyze, compare and educate young people's dietary behaviour. It was noticed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is low, restricted in many cases to one or two servings per day. This result led to the conclusion that healthy food does not play an important role in young people's eating habits. Given this situation, in a few years, childhood obesity rates could rise alarmingly. The nutrition factors contemplated were: the motivation of young people for a healthy diet; the information they possess about correct nutrition habits and their attitudes for a healthy lifestyle.
In recent years, overweight and obesity have reached the status of a global pandemic and are particularly prevalent in the world. Overweight and obesity identified as risk factors for several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke. In recognition of the fact that reducing the burden of obesity and overweight has the potential to decrease mortality and disease worldwide, the World Health Organisation established that promoting healthy diets and physical activity is now a public health priority. This research paper aims to discuss the nutrition and health problem as well as eating behaviour from the psychological aspects. This issue is very significant nowadays and considers it to be a global problem. Here the authors made research and analyses the background of this problem.
Non-muscle myosin IIA is a cytoplasmic protein that works in concert with F-actin to produce cell movement. The heavy chain of this protein is codified by the MYH9 gene. The presence of motor proteins as myosin or mono and F-actin and their role in transcription has recently been observed. Prep1–the transcription factor of HOXB genes– constitutes a dimer with Pbx1, which induces HOXB gene expression. Prep1 has been found purifying with β-actin and Myh9. HOXB transcription initiates when cells enter in S-phase, during which DNA duplication and transcription occur at the same time. Here, we have shown that Myh9 co-localizes with Prep1 in the nucleus and in the periphery of the nucleolus in S-phase NT2-D1 cells. Furthermore, we have shown that Myh9 purifies with Pbx1 from nuclear extracts of S-phase entering NT2-D1 cells –and not from cytoplasmic extracts. Taking into account these results, we conclude that Myh9 is in the nucleus of the S-phase entering NT2-D1 cells and might have a role in HOXB transcription.
Purpose: To test if camel milk affects glucose-induced opacity in organ cultured rat and human lenses. Methods: Whole human and rat lenses were cultured in various media containing either 55 mM glucose, camel milk, or a combination of both glucose and milk. Some lenses were cultured in a media containing neither moiety to establish a control. Absorbance spectra of human and rat lenses were measured daily using a visible/ultraviolet light spectrometer. Lens opacities were graded by a blinded grader from photographs taken daily. Aldose reductase activity, catalase activity, glutathione and receptor for advanced glycation end products levels were assayed. Results: The optical density and light scattering intensity of human lenses cultured with glucose were higher after two to four days in organ culture compared with lenses cultured without glucose. Camel milk in the culture media attenuated the glucose-induced increase in optical density, light scattering intensity and opacity grade after two to four days for both human and rat lenses. Aldose reductase activity, catalase activity and glutathione levels were restored but the receptor for advanced glycation end products was similar in rat lenses cultured with glucose compared with those cultured with glucose and camel milk. There were no differences between the assayed moieties in human lenses cultured with glucose or glucose plus milk. Since camel milk restored rat lens glutathione levels, it is possible that camel milk may protect the lens from oxidation and significantly reduce the glucose-induced increase in light scattering of human lenses. Structurally and physiologically, rat lenses are distinct from human lenses, therefore, the rat lens data was highly variable when compared with the human lens data, highlighting the importance of using human lenses in future studies. Conclusions: Camel milk present in the organ culture medium inhibited the glucose-induced opacity in human lenses and restored the amount of glutathione to the same levels of lenses not cultured in glucose. The positive results of the current study leads to future studies to determine the moieties in camel milk that are responsible for cataract inhibition and in vivo studies involving camel milk.
Aims: This paper presents our 20-year experience with diagnosing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HFH) and monitoring its diet and drug treatment in 94 children (6-18 years) by means of noncholesterol sterols (NCS), namely lathosterol (Lat) and desmosterol (Des) as cholesterol synthesis precursors, and campesterol (Cam) and sitosterol (Sit) as cholesterol absorption precursors. Patients and Methods: Four groups were included in the study: (1) 64 children with genetically confirmed HFH; (2) 30 children with clinical and laboratory symptoms of HFH where the relevant genetic mutations have not been found; (3) 77 children with alimentary hyperlipidemia (AH), and (4) 84 healthy children as a control group. The followed-up markers were routine lipid profile comprising total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triacylglycerides (TAG), complemented by apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R), apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism, and plasma NCS (Lat, Des, Cam and Sit), the latter being established by means of GC/MS. The medical treatment of HFH patients consisted of simvastatin and ezetimibe. Correlations between TC lowering and decrease in Lat and other NCS values during combination treatment were examined in various types of hypercholesterolemia. Results: HFH patients, whether genetically confirmed or not, exhibit a significant decrease in Lat (and in milder concentrations also Des) which correlates directly to the TC lowering during the combination therapy (r = 0.912 for Lat; r = 0.798 for Des; p<0.001). Cam and Sit do not correlate with the TC lowering at all (r = -0.378 for Cam; r = -0.208 for Sit). By contrast, high TC levels in AH patients are not accompanied by significantly elevated Lat levels, and, therefore, caloric restriction cannot result in significant Lat or Des decrease (p<0.001). Lat and Des levels are also high following drug treatment interruption during long vacations or when the drug treatment is neglected. Compensatory elevation of Cam and Sit occurs in 50% of treated children patients after the desirable TC level below 4.8 mmol/l has been achieved and maintained. In our experience, the combination of statin and ezetimibe is the most efficacious therapy to lower TC together with Lat and Des in children with HFH. Conclusions: Inclusion precursors for cholesterol synthesis and absorption in laboratory testing improve differential diagnosis of HFH, and makes monitoring and/or treatment of pediatric patients more precise and convenient.
The aim of the study to evaluate the effect of combination of L-Arginine with L-Carnitine on GFR, serum AGEs level and endothelial function in chronic heart failure (HF) patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Materials and Methods: 35 patients with mean age 60,1 [56,7; 77,3] years with an established diagnosis of HFpEF were enrolled. The patients were randomly and blindly divided into 2 groups: first (1st) group pts were treated with a combination of L-Carnitine and L-Arginine in addition to standard treatment; 2nd group pts – with L-Arginine in addition to conventional treatment. Standard laboratory blood tests, lipid profile, glucose, renal and liver function tests, serum advanced glycation end-product (AGEs) level, echocardiographic examination, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) were performed for all patients baseline and after 10 days of treatment. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the CKD-EPI formula. Results: Median level of AGEs was 1.72 [1.34; 1.93] mg/ml. The level of AGEs was correlated with age (R = 0.71, p<0.05), disease duration (R = 0.69, p<0.05). After 10 days of treatment with a combination of L-Carnitine with L-Arginine mean AGEs was decreased by 13.1% in comparison with L-Arginine treatment group (p=0.0003). After the treatment in 1st group mean AGEs was significantly lower in comparison with the 2nd group (p=0.004). Baseline median level of GFR was 81.2 [72,1; 86,2] ml/min and correlated with disease duration (R = 0.71, p<0.05), AGEs level (R = -0.73, p<0.05). The inclusion combination of L-arginine aspartate with L-Carnitine contributed to the significant increase of GFR level (p=0.003). The median FMD% level was 6.2 [4.4; 7.9] % and correlated with age (R=-0.61, p < 0.05), GFR (R=0.54, p < 0.05). After the 10 days it had been established significant increasing of FMD% level on 47.9 % in 1st group (p=0.0005), and on 29.3 % in 2nd group (p=0.003). Endothelial function normalizing was achieved in 10 (66 %) pts of 1st group and in 9 (45%) pts of 2nd group (p=0.002). Conclusion: The combination of L-Carnitine, and L-Arginine improves kidney, endothelial function and contributes to decreasing of AGEs level in pts with HFpEF.
Aims: To demonstrate the origin and the diagnostic significance of non-cholesterol sterols (NCSs) in healthy pregnant women with gestational hypercholesterolemia. Patients and Methods: Based on a total of 21,000 clinical biochemistry tests of healthy pregnant women with hypercholesterolemia observed during pregnancy, a group of 84 women with TC (total cholesterol) >7.0 mmol/L was recruited to analyze their NCSs using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. The NCSs under examination comprised lathosterol (Lat) and desmosterol (Des) as markers of endogenous cholesterol synthesis, and campesterol (Cam) and sitosterol (Sit) as markers for intestinal absorption. Results: In the total of 21,000 pregnant women, the median values were: TC 6.8 mol/l, LDL-C 4.6 mmol/L, and HDL-C 2.2 mmol/L. In the testing group of 84 women, the average values were: Lat 7.8+/-1.7 μmol/L, Des 4.7+/-0.9 μmol/L, Cam 9.8+/-2.6 μmol/L, and Sit 9.6 +/-3.8 μmol/L. Lat was found to correlate with TC (r = 0.53), LDL-C (r = 0.36), and non-HDL-C (r = 0.35). No such correlations were observed for Sit (r = 0.162) or Cam (r = 0.153). Conclusion: Our findings show that the high incidence of hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is caused by increased endogenous cholesterol synthesis via lathosterol. The enormous rise of TC levels during pregnancy can be effectively used to detect familial hypercholesterolemia in women.
Context: Hypertension, a global menace requires innovative research into the use of Moringa oleifera being promoted and traditionally used as alternative therapy. Objective: To innovatively evaluate the mechanistic effect, safety and efficacy of the methanol fraction of M. oleifera (MMO) leaves on L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits. Methods: Rabbits were divided into six groups: Control, L-NAME alone, L-NAME with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of MMO and enalapril. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar baseline parameters and Day 3 systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than baseline SBP respectively. The primary outcome was a 10% reduction of SBP on Day 21. Enalapril group was excluded from analysis. Safety was assessed with liver and renal functions, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide concentrations to elucidate mechanistic effect. Results: Moringa 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg reduced SBP by 4.75, 18.00 and 15.25 mmHg (F=22.123, p=0.000). SBP control was achieved with MMO 200mg/kg, 14% reduction and 400mg/kg, 12% reduction. Nitric oxide concentration, 0.06, 0.094 and 0.114mmol (F= 30.255, p= 0.000) dose-dependently increased and was most predictive of SBP control (r2=0.802, p=0.000). Nitric oxide production was inversely related to heart/body weight ratio which was dose-dependently reduced. MMO reduced hydrogen peroxide and ALT level but no significant effect on urea, HDL, and TG. Conclusion: MMO reduced SBP and dose-dependently increased nitric oxide concentration in L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits. The effect may be mediated via activation of nitric oxide pathway. MMO demonstrated a potent anti-oxidant activity and safety. Effect on ventricular hypertrophy needs further evaluation.
Purpose : Shrikhand Spread, a unique sweetened fermented Indian milk product is made by separation of whey from dahi , the Indian counterpart of Western yoghurt, followed by addition of sugar. Production of dahi employing traditional method involved undefined mixed starter cultures, uncontrolled fermentation and longer production time resulting in wide variation in its chemical and microbiological qualities. In order to cater to a product with desirable properties like lower post-acidification, higher flavour profile, firm body and lower syneresis coupled with shorter production time, conjugated application of yoghurt cultures and dahi cultures were tried. Since the shelf-life of dahi is limited, conversion into shrikhand spread may be used as a tool to extend the shelf-life and therefore the market reach towards commercialization into the global market as a potential functional food. Design/Methodology/Approach : Different batches of dahi were made from homogenized (Stage I - 2500 psi, Stage II - 500 psi) and pasteurized (74-78 °C/16-19 Sec) milk, pre-adjusted to 3.15-3.20% fat and 11.40% snf with diverse starter combinations selected upon the extent of post acidification, volatile acid production, syneresis and rheological characteristics. Homogenized, pasteurized and regulated milk was further subjected to a heat-treatment (90°C/10 min) and seeded with selected starter combinations to obtain firm curd intended for shrikhand spread manufacture. Shelf-life of shrikhand spread was evaluated in terms of chemical and microbiological criteria upto 7 days of storage at 8±1°C. Findings : Starter combination of eXactDahi 2+YoFlex Express 1.0 at an incubation temperature-time combination of 45°C/5h was found most suitable for producing dahi with smooth body, higher volatile acidity and low syneresis. Utilization of dahi obtained employing the above starter combination for the manufacture shrikhand spread was suggested and the product was found to retain its goodness when stored for 7 days at 8±1°C. Originality/Value : Conjugated use of yoghurt cultures with dahi cultures was suggested to overcome the drawbacks of traditional process of dahi manufacture suitable for conversion into shrikhand spread. This dahi was found capable of enhancing its dietetic value in addition.
The effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf on the nutritional and biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rat were investigated. Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf was squeeze-washed, dried, pulverized and mixed with standard feed at 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%. The proximate nutrient composition of the standard and prepared rations was determined. The Vernonia amygdalina incorporated rations and standard ration were fed to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 70 consecutive days. Thereafter the nutritional and biochemical parameters as well as the histopathology of pancreas vital organs of the treated rats were determined. The Vernonia Amygdalina at 2.5% inclusion rate significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the nutritional indices and biochemical parameters which were compromised in diabetic rats fed with standard ration alone. The VA also reversed the degenerative changes in the pancreatic islet induced by alloxan. Vernonia Amygdalina has potent antidiabetic activity and its incorporation in excess of 5% in the diet should be avoided.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is a traditional folk medicinal plant and has a long history of use as a food and medicine. In order to reveal the effects of Noni fruit juice (NFJ) on stroke prevention, we performed experiments using spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone (SHRSP) rats. NFJ did not change rat body weight, food intake, and water intake. However, both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly decreased after NFJ treatment in SHRSP rats. Furthermore, NFJ significantly increased the survival rate, urinary nitric oxide (NO) concentration was significantly higher in the NFJ group, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation levels increased in the brain after NFJ treatment. Two pathways regulate eNOS phosphorylation: the insulin-dependent pathway and the insulin-independent pathway. For the insulin-dependent pathway, phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (Akt) did not change in the NFJ group. For the insulin-independent pathway, expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, liver kinase B 1 (LKB1), and silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) significantly increased in the brain of SHRSP rats after NFJ treatment. These data suggested that NFJ prevented stroke by improved blood circulation, increased NO production, and elevated eNOS phosphorylation by stimulating the insulin-independent pathway (Sirt1-LKB1-AMPK-eNOS).
Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deficits and cortical network pathology. This neuroimaging study investigated the effects of DHA supplementation on cortical attention network integrity in medication-free children with ADHD. Children (mean age 9.6 years, n=30) with ADHD were randomized to DHA (1,200 mg/d) or placebo for 10 weeks. Blood DHA levels and ADHD symptom severity ratings were obtained from all participants (n=30). Cortical network integrity was evaluated in a subset of patients (n=20) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Erythrocyte DHA levels increased significantly in patients receiving DHA (+60%, p≤0.0001) but not placebo (-4%, p=0.77). There were no group differences in baseline-endpoint change in ADHD symptom severity scores, sustained attention performance, or voxelwise cortical activation patterns during performance of a sustained attention task. In the region-of-interest (ROI) analysis, patients treated with DHA but not placebo exhibited significant endpoint reductions in left amygdala activation. At study endpoint, but not at baseline, DHA-treated patients exhibited significantly greater event-related functional connectivity between the pregenual and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and regions within the cortical attention network including the inferior parietal lobe and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with placebo. Trends with large effect sizes for reductions in medial and radial diffusivity in the left corpus callosum were observed in DHA-treated patients. These preliminary findings suggest that DHA supplementation may be associated with subtle changes in cortical attention networks of medication-free children with ADHD which warrant additional investigation in a larger patient sample.
Objective: To assess the level of awareness and adherence of patients to dietary recommendations in the management of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included CVD patients on medical visits at the cardiology unit of Ngaoundere Regional Hospital. Well informed and consenting participants filled a pre-tested questionnaire on dietary knowledge and practice. Results: 129 patients were retained in this study out of 151 enrolled. 58.9% of participants knew that the consumption of vegetables is beneficial for their status. Fruit consumption recorded the same level of awareness. All other dietary variables studied revealed less than 50% level of awareness among participants. Concerning recommended dietary practices, 73.64% of participants consumed oils rich in saturated fatty acids. Meat and fish consumption were recorded at 62.01% and 65.12% respectively, with a 94.57% preference to red meat consumption. Almost 19.38% of the study population consumed eggs more than 3 times per week, 31.78% and 41.09% consumed vegetables and fruits at least thrice and twice a week respectively. The overall mean adherence to the studied cardiovascular disease dietary recommendations was 38.31%, with only fish, vegetable and tea/coffee recommendations recording adherences of 50% and above. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a low level of awareness and adherence to dietary recommendations in the management of CVDs, thus the need for the strengthening of health promotion programs and improvement of the nutritional advices in our context.
