Over 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis worldwide. Individuals with osteoporosis have increased rates of bone resorption while simultaneously having impaired osteogenesis. Most current treatments for osteoporosis focus on anti-resorptive methods to prevent further bone loss. However, it is important to identify safe and cost-efficient treatments that not only inhibit bone resorption, but also stimulate anabolic mechanisms to upregulate osteogenesis. Recent data suggest that macrophage polarization may contribute to osteoblast differentiation and increased osteogenesis as well as bone mineralization. Macrophages exist in two major polarization states, classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophage (M2) macrophages. The polarization state of macrophages is dependent on molecules in the microenvironment including several cytokines and chemokines. Mechanistically, M2 macrophages secrete osteogenic factors that stimulate the differentiation and activation of pre-osteoblastic cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s), and subsequently increase bone mineralization. In this review, we cover the mechanisms by which M2 macrophages contribute to osteogenesis and postulate the hypothesis that regulating macrophage polarization states may be a potential treatment for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 650,000 American lives annually. Typically not a singular disease, CVD often coexists with dyslipidemia, hypertension, type-2 diabetes (T2D), chronic system-wide inflammation, and obesity. Obesity, an independent risk factor for both CVD and T2D, further worsens the problem, with over 42% of adults and 18.5% of youth in the U.S. categorized as such. Dietary behavior is a most important modifiable risk factor for controlling the onset and progression of obesity and related disease conditions. Plant-based eating patterns that include beans and legumes support health and disease mitigation through nutritional profile and bioactive compounds including phytochemical. This review focuses on the characteristics of beans and ability to improve obesity-related diseases and associated factors including excess body weight, gut microbiome environment, and low-grade inflammation. Additionally, there are growing data that link obesity to compromised immune response and elevated risk for complications from immune-related diseases. Body weight management and nutritional status may improve immune function and possibly prevent disease severity. Inclusion of beans as part of a plant-based dietary strategy imparts cardiovascular, metabolic, and colon protective effects; improves obesity, low-grade inflammation, and may play a role in immune-related disease risk management.

This publication covers the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices with a focus on up-to-date scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic health benefits associated with their culinary use. This is the first publication in a two-part series related to the Taste of Culture curriculum. Written by Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2025.

Taste of Culture is a culinary-based Extension program that integrates cultural exploration, culinary skills, and evidence-based health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices. This publication provides an overview of several key topics relevant to the curriculum review and update. It describes the systematic review and feedback process, highlighting topics associated with high-quality health education (e.g., culturally relevant language, message framing, health literacy, engagement, visual design, program goals, learning objectives). This is the second publication in a two-part series related to the Taste of Culture curriculum. Written by Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, January 2026.