Objective: To explore the association of spicy food consumption and risk of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancers (LOCPs) in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the baseline survey and long-term follow-up of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study, Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for associations between spicy food consumption and LOCPs incidence. Results: Of the 510 145 participants included at baseline, 30.1% reported daily spicy food consumption. During a mean follow-up of 10.8 (2.0) years, we documented 767 LOCPs cases. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that the risk of LOCPs incidence decreased with the frequency of spicy food intake (trend P=0.003), with HR of 0.69 (95%CI:0.54-0.88) for daily spicy food consumers, compared with never or occasional consumers. Participants who preferred moderate pungency degrees had the lowest risk of LOCPs, with a 33%[0.67(95%CI:0.52-0.87)] reduced risk compared to those who consumed spicy food less than once per week. The later the starting age, the lower the risk (trend P=0.004). Those who started eating spicy food after 18 years old had the lowest risk of LOCPs incidence, with adjusted HR (95%CI) of 0.70(0.54-0.92). Conclusions: Spicy food intake might be associated with a decreased risk of LOCPs incidence. Such association was independent of healthy lifestyles. Advocating moderate-pungency spicy food consumption and healthy lifestyles might help prevent LOCPs.
Adolescent ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Lip ; Pharyngeal Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spices

Many Chinese medicinal materials, vegetable oils and extracts, and even Chinese patent medicines are spicy, which influences the medication compliance of patients, especially children. Different from the sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and umami tastes, it is a painful sensation formed when the spicy substances stimulate the nerve endings. At the moment, there are a few studies on the spicy components and mechanism and masking technology for the spicy flavor of Chinese medicine in the pharmaceutical industry, and the findings in food science are usually taken as a reference, which fail to guide the masking of the spicy flavor in Chinese medicine preparations. According to literature research, the exterior-releasing medicine, dampness-resolving medicine, and interior-warming medicine are spicy, especially some vegetable oils and extracts. Taking Zingiberis Rhizoma and prescriptions containing this medicinal as an example, the spicy components in Chinese medicine and the structure-activity characteristics were analyzed to reveal the mechanism for the spicy flavor: spicy components activate the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1(TRPV1). The advantages and disadvantages of separation, neutralization with sugar, and inclusion for the masking of the spicy flavor were summarized and the applicability in Chinese medicine was analyzed. Moreover, the future development direction was put forward. This study is expected to promote the development of spicy masking technology for Chinese medicine prescriptions for children.
Child ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Spices ; Technology ; Plant Oils ; Plant Extracts

Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; COVID-19/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Ayurvedic/methods* ; Plants, Medicinal ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Spices

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare customers' perceptions of the need for a low-sodium diet and sodium-reduced operations in the industry foodservice by age. The relationships between health concerns and perceptions of the need for sodium-reduced operations and low-sodium diets in the industry foodservice were analyzed.METHODS: A survey was conducted among 340 industry foodservice customers aged 20–50 years and residing in Seoul, Korea. This study investigated the respondents' health concerns, their perception of the need for sodium-reduced foodservice operations, their perception of a sodium-reduced diet, and the general details of the foodservices they used. A cross-tabulation analysis and ANOVA were performed to identify differences in measurement items by age, and a simple regression analysis was performed to examine relationships between measurement items.RESULTS: For the customers' perception of the need for a sodium-reduced foodservice operation, the item “it is necessary to provide separate spices and sauces to reduce sodium intake” achieved the highest score (3.88 points out of a possible 5 points). For the perception of a sodium-reduced diet, the item “I think it is helpful for one's health” obtained the highest score (4.13 points). Respondents' health concerns had a positive effect on increasing the level of perception of the need for sodium-reduced foodservice operations and that of a sodium-reduced diet.CONCLUSIONS: Foodservice nutritionists could help enhance their customers' perceptions of the needs for sodium-reduced foodservice operations and sodium-reduced diets by frequently providing them with sodium-related health information.
Diet ; Diet, Sodium-Restricted ; Korea ; Nutritionists ; Seoul ; Sodium ; Spices

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the dietary patterns (DPs) of women during pregnancy. The present study aimed to identify the DPs of pregnant Malaysian women and their associations with socio-demographic, obstetric, and anthropometric characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 737 participants enrolled in Seremban Cohort Study between 2013 and 2015. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 126-food item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) at four time-points, namely, pre-pregnancy and at each trimester (first, second, and third). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify DPs. RESULTS: Three DPs were identified at each time point and designated DP 1–3 (pre-pregnancy), DP 4–6 (first trimester), DP 7–9 (second trimester) and DP 10–12 (third trimester). DP 1, 4, and 7 appeared to be more prudent diets, characterized by higher intakes of nuts, seeds & legumes, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, eggs, fruits, and milk & dairy products. DP 2, 5, 8, and 11 had greater loadings of condiments & spices, sugar, spreads & creamer, though DP 2 had additional sweet foods, DP 5 and 8 had additional oils & fats, and DP 11 had additional tea & coffee, respectively. DP 3 and 6 were characterized by high protein (poultry, meat, processed, dairy, eggs, and fish), sugars (mainly as beverages and sweet foods), and energy (bread, cereal & cereal products, rice, noodles & pasta) intakes. DP 9 had additional fruits. However, DP 12 had greater loadings of energy foods (bread, cereal & cereal products, rice, noodles & pasta), sugars (mainly as beverages, and sweet foods), and good protein sources (eggs, nuts, seeds & legumes). Malays were more likely to have lower adherence (LA) for DP 1 and 10 than non-Malays. DP 2, 8, and 11 were more prevalent among Malays than non-Malays. Women with a higher education were more likely to have LA for DP 10, and women with a greater waist circumference at first prenatal visit were more likely to show LA for DP 11. CONCLUSIONS: DPs observed in the present study were substantially different from those reported in Western populations. Information concerning associations between ethnicity, waist circumference and education with specific DPs before and throughout pregnancy could facilitate efforts to promote healthy dietary behavior and the overall health and well-being of pregnant women.
Beverages ; Carbohydrates ; Coffee ; Cohort Studies ; Condiments ; Dairy Products ; Diet ; Edible Grain ; Education ; Eggs ; Fabaceae ; Fats ; Female ; Fruit ; Humans ; Meat ; Milk ; Nuts ; Oils ; Ovum ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Principal Component Analysis ; Prospective Studies ; Spices ; Tea ; Vegetables ; Waist Circumference

Ginger, one of worldwide consumed dietary spice, is not only famous as food supplements, but also believed to exert a variety of remarkable pharmacological activity as herbal remedies. In this study, a ginger constituent, 12-dehydrogingerdione (DHGD) was proven that has comparable anti-inflammatory activity with positive control 6-shogaol in inhibiting LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, prostaglandin (PG) E₂, nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, without interfering with COX-1 in cultured microglial cells. Subsequent mechanistic studies indicate that 12-DHGD may inhibit neuro-inflammation through suppressing the LPS-activated Akt/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, 12-DHGD markedly promoted the activation of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf)-2 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and we demonstrated that the involvement of HO-1 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO and TNF-α by using a HO-1 inhibitor, Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp). These results indicate that 12-DHGD may protect against neuro-inflammation by inhibiting Akt/IKK/IκB/NF-κB pathway and promoting Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.
Dietary Supplements ; Ginger ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; Interleukins ; Microglia* ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Spices ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Zinc

OBJECTIVES: Recommended Menu (RM) prepared according to the Target Pattern expected to meet the dietary reference intake (DRI) of nutrients. Nutritional adequacy of RM in ‘DRI for Koreans 2015’ were analyzed to verify whether such expectation was fulfilled. METHODS: Dishes in RM are categorized by 5 food groups, and number and types of dishes for main meal and between-meals were analyzed. The energy and 12 nutrients (protein, dietary fiber, Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C) contents in 10 RMs were calculated using the food composition table (CD) in ‘DRI for Koreans’. Energy, energy contribution ratio, and nutrient contents in 10 RMs for 18 age groups were evaluated based on the ‘DRI for Koreans 2015’. RESULTS: Number of dishes per meal were 4.83, and representative table setting consisted of cooked rice + soup (or stew) +3 side dishes. Energy contents of RM were 75~109% of estimated energy requirement (EER). None of the RM met the DRI of all 12 nutrients examined. Calcium was the most insufficient nutrient. Only 1-2 years' RM met the DRI, all the other RMs did not meet the calcium DRI. Dietary fiber and potassium contents were also insufficient in most RM. In adult male's RM, only 1 nutrient, i.e. calcium did not meet the DRI, but in female adult's RM, 5~6 nutrients did not meet the DRI. Energy contribution ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and fat in RM were 59.0~70.4%, 15.7~17.5%, 12.1~23.5%, respectively. And 4 RMs out of 10 exceeded the upper limit of acceptable macro-nutrient distribution range (AMDR) of carbohydrate and 3 RMs out of 10 RM were below the lower limit of fat AMDR. Contribution ratio of nutrients were ≥ 40% by food groups were as follows: grain group in energy and carbohydrate; meat·fish·egg·legume group in fat, protein, and niacin; vegetables group in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C; milk·dairy products group in calcium. CONCLUSIONS: RM prepared according to the Target Pattern did not meet nutritional adequacy as expected. Especially calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber contents are needed to be increased in many RMs. Further, energy content in RM needs to be adjusted for fat·sugar food group assigned in Target Pattern and condiment.
Adult ; Ascorbic Acid ; Calcium ; Condiments ; Dietary Fiber ; Female ; Humans ; Meals ; Niacin ; Potassium ; Recommended Dietary Allowances* ; Riboflavin ; Vegetables ; Vitamin A ; Vitamins

PURPOSE: In the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome, a significant proportion of IgE is directed against high molecular weight (HMW) glycoproteins, including the celery allergen Api g 5. BIP3, a monoclonal antibody originally raised against birch pollen, recognizes HMW allergens in birch and mugwort pollens, celery, and Apiaceae spices. Our aim was to generate mimotopes using BIP3 for immunization against the HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice cross reactivity syndrome. METHODS: Mimotopes were selected from a random-peptide display library by BIP3 and applied in IgE inhibition assays. The 3 phage clones with the highest inhibitory capacity were chosen for immunization of BALB/c mice. Mouse immune sera were tested for IgG binding to blotted birch pollen extract and used for inhibiting patients' IgE binding. Furthermore, sera were tested for binding to Api g 5, to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a second glycoprotein, or to non-glycosylated control allergen Phl p 5 in ELISA, and the specific Api g 5-specific IgG titers were determined. RESULTS: Three rounds of biopanning resulted in phage clones exhibiting 7 different sequences including 1 dominant, 1-6-cyclo-CHKLRCDKAIA. Three phage clones had the capacity to inhibit human IgE binding and induced IgG to the HMW antigen when used for immunizing BALB/c mice. The induced BIP3-mimotope IgG reached titers of 1:500 specifically to Api g 5, but hardly reacted to glycoprotein HRP, revealing a minor role of carbohydrates in their epitope. CONCLUSIONS: The mimotopes characterized in this study mimic the epitope of BIP3 relevant for Api g 5, one of the cross-reactive HMW allergens relevant in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome. BIP3 mimotopes may be used in the future for hyposensitization in this clinical syndrome by virtue of good and specific immunogenicity.
Allergens ; Animals ; Apiaceae ; Apium graveolens ; Artemisia ; Bacteriophages ; Betula ; Carbohydrates ; Clone Cells ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Glycoproteins ; Horseradish Peroxidase ; Humans ; Immune Sera ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Mice ; Molecular Weight ; Pollen ; Spices ; Vaccination ; Virtues

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop a textbook of the integrated education of Korean food culture and language for married female immigrants. METHODS: An analysis was conducted with the textbooks and researches for married female immigrants, and dietary life related contents were extracted. The contents were organized by activity oriented approach which is acquired the culture. The evaluation was conducted through depth interview with 6 married female immigrants through an analysis of the qualitative materials. RESULTS: The text book comprised of 30 Korean food recipes with the target expressions and vocabularies. It also included Korean basic table setting, Korean table manner, main dishes and side dishes, basic cutting, seasoning and garnish, measure of the ingredients, symbolic food, regional food culture, choice of food ingredients, shopping, bargaining, taste expression, color expression, all sorts of spices, Korean traditional festival food, and seasonal customs and food. For intensifying communication, activity which is close to real life was added. Through cooking, married female immigrants expose words and sentence patterns and that allows to evaluate their level of understanding. We observed that the developed textbook is suited for married female immigrants' needs and cognitive level. The text book included a comparative study between Korean culture and their country's culture, which could provide the motive for accepting each other’s cultures. The study showed how to develop a textbook that integrates Korean language education and Korean food culture and how to apply the textbook in real life. CONCLUSIONS: The correct understanding about Korean food culture could lead to improvements communication ability. Useful information which relates to Korean food, recipes, and food culture could increase daily life satisfaction. Conducting both cultural education and language education could increase the participation of married female immigrants in learning activities. Therefore this study could help these females to adapt Korean society and manage family dietary life effectively.
Communication ; Cooking ; Education* ; Emigrants and Immigrants* ; Female* ; Holidays ; Humans ; Learning ; Seasons ; Spices ; Vocabulary

PURPOSE: Comprehensive evaluation of anaphylaxis in China is currently lacking. In this study, we characterized the clinical profiles, anaphylactic triggers, and emergency treatment in pediatric and adult patients. METHODS: Outpatients diagnosed with "anaphylaxis" or "severe allergic reactions" in the Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1,952 episodes of anaphylaxis in 907 patients were analyzed (78% were adults and 22% were children). Foods are the most common cause (77%), followed by idiopathic etiologies (15%), medications (7%) and insects (0.6%). In food-induced anaphylaxis, 62% (13/21) of anaphylaxis in infants and young children (0-3 years of age) were triggered by milk, 59% (36/61) of anaphylaxis in children (4-9 years of age) were triggered by fruits/vegetables, while wheat was the cause of anaphylaxis in 20% (56/282) of teenagers (10-17 years of age) and 42% (429/1,016) in adults (18-50 years of age). Mugwort pollen sensitization was common in patients with anaphylaxis induced by spices, fruits/vegetables, legume/peanuts, and tree nuts/seeds, with the prevalence rates of 75%, 67%, 61%, and 51%, respectively. Thirty-six percent of drug-induced anaphylaxis was attributed to traditional Chinese Medicine. For patients receiving emergency care, only 25% of patients received epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that anaphylaxis appeared to occur more often in adults than in infants and children, which were in contrast to those found in other countries. In particular, wheat allergens played a prominent role in triggering food-induced anaphylaxis, followed by fruits/vegetables. Traditional Chinese medicine was a cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis. Furthermore, exercise was the most common factor aggravating anaphylaxis. Education regarding the more aggressive use of epinephrine in the emergency setting is clearly needed.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Allergens ; Anaphylaxis* ; Artemisia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Child ; China ; Education ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Treatment ; Epinephrine ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Infant ; Insects ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Milk ; Outpatients ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies* ; Spices ; Trees ; Triticum ; Wheat Hypersensitivity