Traditional Mexican Food: Phenolic Content and Public Health Relationship

Abstract

Phenolic compounds have a positive effect on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. The prevalence of these diseases has increased in the last years in the Mexican population. Therefore, the Mexican diet must be assessed as provider of phenolic compounds. To assess this, a survey of phenolic compound intake was validated and applicated to 973 adults (798 females) between 18 and 79 years old. We compared the phenolic compound intake of 324 participants with more diseases (239 females) and 649 participants with healthier condition (559 females). The groups differed in sex, age, and scholarship. Males, older participants, and those with lower schooling reported suffering from more diseases. Regarding phenolic compound intake analyses, the participants with healthier conditions displayed a higher phenolic compound intake than the other group in all foods assessed. In addition, the regression model showed that the phenolic compounds intake of Mexican dishes, such as arroz con frijol or enchiladas, positively affected health status, suggesting that this traditional food is beneficial for the participant’s health condition. However, the weight effect of PCI was different for each disease. We conclude that, although PCI of Mexican food positively affects health conditions, this effect depends on sex, age, and participants’ diseases.

Ramon Flour (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Induction of AMPK Phosphorylation, and Expression of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model

“…Meanwhile, another study identified chlorogenic, caffeoylquinic, and vanillic acids in these seeds [15]. Hydroxycinnamic acid and its intermediate derivative products such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, and hydroxycinnamic acids are abundant in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and the seeds of several fruits [28,29]. Interestingly, there is evidence that most of the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives can act against lipid deposition and increase hepatic lipid metabolism [30].…”

Creating a Virtuous Food Cycle in Monterrey, Mexico

“…These are precious resources that were a long time in the making [33]. Phenolic compounds such as rice, beans, enchiladas, tomatoes, lettuce, and corn are found in many traditional Mexican meals and have a positive effect on health conditions [34]. Without awareness of the positive health implications of traditional food patterns, their availability will rapidly reduce and limit access to healthy food.…”

Application of a Simplex–Centroid Mixture Design to Evaluate the Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Potential of Plants Grown in Mexico

“…Plants synthesize phenolic compounds (PCs) to function as a chemical defense against predators, as protection against ultraviolet light, as pollinator attractants, and as participants in reproduction as well as in plant–plant interference [ 4 , 5 ]. On the other hand, in humans, they continue to be useful in the fields of health and nutrition due to the health benefits of their dietary intake, mainly protection against chronic diseases, inflammatory states, and dysfunctional mechanisms associated with oxidative stress [ 1 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. As an example, a lower risk of suffering a myocardial infarction, diabetes, and a cerebral vascular accident, as well as improvements in blood flow and blood pressure, among others, have been associated with the consumption of the flavan-3-ols found in cocoa, while resveratrol and quercetin improve cardiometabolic health.…”

“…Based on this evidence, some researchers have worked to promote the consumption of diets rich in these compounds [ 4 , 9 ]. Others have highlighted the importance of generating clear and regulated alternatives in the food industry through their incorporation into foodstuffs, nutraceutical formulations, and the production of dietary supplements.…”