Estudios científicos

Melatonin in Mediterranean diet, a new perspective

Abstract:

The health-promoting properties of the Mediterranean diet have been attributed, at least in part, to the chemical diversity of plant foods. Among phytochemicals, polyphenols represent the paradigm of the relationship between healthy foods and reduced risk of chronic-degenerative diseases, although, in the past few years, a new element has enriched this scenario.Melatonin, and possibly other indoleamines recently discovered in some relevant Mediterranean foods, may represent a newfactor contributing to the elucidation of the protective effects of diets rich in plant products. Therefore, in synergy with polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals (e.g. carotenoids and glucosinolates), melatonin may contribute to maximizing the benefits of healthy dietary styles. This brief survey deals with the occurrence of melatonin in the Mediterranean diet, with an emphasis on grape products, and focuses on the biological significance of dietary melatonin, an emerging and exciting topic in the field of nutritional sciences 

Comentarios divulgativos:

Los beneficios para la salud de la Dieta Mediterránea se atribuyen, en parte, a la diversidad química de los alimentos de origen vegetal. Entre estos fitoquímicos, los polifenoles representan el paradigma de la relación entre los alimentos saludables y la reducción del riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, si bien, la melatonina ha enriquecido este escenario en los últimos años. Este estudio examina el papel de la melatonina en la Dieta Mediterránea, con énfasis en los productos de la uva. 

The health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet have, in part, been attributed to the chemical diversity from the foods of plant origin. Among these phytochemicals, polyphenols represent the paradigm of the relationship between healthy foods and reduced risk of chronic diseases, although, melatonin has enriched this scenario in the past few years. This study looks at the role of melatonin in the Mediterranean Diet, with an emphasis on grape products.