Association between high consumption of phytochemical-rich foods and anthropometric measures: a systematic review.
Phytochemical-rich foods consumption may be a valid nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity. The phytochemical index (PI) is a simple and nonspecific method to evaluate the phytochemical intake, defined as the percentage of dietary calories derived from foods rich in phytochemicals. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate whether high consumption of phytochemical-rich foods evaluated by the PI is associated with lower values of anthropometric measurements. The available literature suggests that the PI seems to be inversely associated with body weight and waist circumference. Analyzing the longitudinal changes in anthropometric variables, individuals with high intake of phytochemicals gained less weight and fat mass when compared to those with lower PI. Our findings suggest that higher PI is associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference and adiposity. Whether the results are a reflex of a lower calorie intake or the anti-obesity properties of phytochemicals remains to be elucidated.
a VP Research Institute , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Renata A
RA
Carnauba
b Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition , University of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Daniela F S
DF
Chaves
a VP Research Institute , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Ana Beatriz
AB
Baptistella
a VP Research Institute , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Valéria
V
Paschoal
a VP Research Institute , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Andreia
A
Naves
c Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz , Institute of Health Education and Sciences , Sao Paulo , Brazil.
Anna Maria
AM
Buehler
D050154:Adiposity; D000886:Anthropometry; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis*; D015430:Weight Gain
D064209:Phytochemicals
Fruit; adiposity; body weights and measures; phytochemicals; vegetables