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Plant-based diets, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, are key to prevention non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD), says the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) in a September 19, 2023 issue (1).

NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancer stem from genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors and are aggravated by high-sugar, high-fat diets (3).

Brazilian native fruits, originating from diverse biomes, are rich in bioactive compounds, and their processing not only allows for fresh consumption, but also yields by-products rich in valuable elements like phenolics, providing substantial health benefits. According to the National Institute of Health, phenolics in plants can defend against ultraviolet radiation, pathogens and parasites (2). Brazilian native fruits include acerola, açaí, baru, buriti, guava, jabuticaba, and juçara. Cerrado plants present in the Brazilian forests, contain phenolic compounds which offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions (4). 

The MDPI review discusses the findings of in-vitro studies, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials on the effects of Brazilian native fruits, their by-products, as well as their bioactive compounds on human intestinal microbiota and NCD showing the science behind these claims (1).

1. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/18/3491

2. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230921/Brazilian-fruits-positively-impact-gut-health-and-chronic-disease-prevention.aspx

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6259146/#:~:text=Plant%20phenolics%20are%20generally%20involved,part%20of%20the%20human%20diet.

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632725/