Positive results reported in rodent studies, but translation of results into humans is needed
TUESDAY, Oct. 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Lifestyle modification, including the use of functional foods such as fruits and vegetables, could contribute to weight loss, although evidence of positive results in humans is required, according to a review published in the November issue of Obesity Reviews.
Lindsay Brown, Ph.D., from the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, Australia, and colleagues discuss the use of lifestyle modification as a complementary approach to successful long-term weight loss. Lifestyle modification including use of functional foods has been suggested as an approach that could produce a reliable decrease in obesity.
The authors note that functional foods may include fruits such as berries, vegetables, fiber-enriched grains, and beverages including tea and coffee. In rodent studies, health improvements continue to be reported for these functional foods; further evidence is required to show the translation of these results into humans.
“Thus, the concept that these fruits and vegetables will act as functional foods in humans to reduce obesity and thereby improve health remains intuitive and possible rather than proven,” the authors write.
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