Animal-based foods have traditionally been viewed as dietary staples because they provide many essential nutrients; however, edible insects have the potential to serve as healthy, sustainable alternatives to these because of their nutrient contents. Edible insects may have superior health benefits due to their high levels of vitamin B₁₂, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. The addition of edible insects such as crickets to the human diet could offer a myriad of environmental and nutritional benefits including an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, decreased agricultural use of land and water, improved prevention and management of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and enhanced immune function. Future research should aim to understand the beneficial effects of whole insects or insect isolates in comparison to traditional animal- and plant-based foodstuffs. Ultimately, insects have the potential to be used as meat substitutes or dietary supplements, resulting in human health and environmental benefits. The purpose of this review is to provide additional insight on the nutrient composition of edible insects, their potential use as meat substitutes or dietary supplements, the associated health and wellness benefits, and their potential role in exercise performance.

Increased consumption of fruits may decrease the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important etiological role in IBD. However, the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in the colon and its role on gut microbiota were unclear. In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory efficacy of whole cranberry in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, as well as its effects on the structure of gut microbiota. The results showed that dietary cranberry significantly decreased the severity of colitis in DSS-treated mice, evidenced by increased colon length, and decreased disease activity and histologic score of colitis in DSS-treated mice compared to the positive control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the colonic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) were significantly reduced by cranberry supplementation (p < 0.05). Analysis of the relative abundance of fecal microbiota in phylum and genus levels revealed that DSS treatment significantly altered the microbial structure of fecal microbiota in mice. α diversity was significantly decreased in the DSS group, compared to the healthy control group. But, cranberry treatment significantly improved DSS-induced decline in α-diversity. Moreover, cranberry treatment partially reversed the change of gut microbiota in colitic mice by increasing the abundance of potential beneficial bacteria, for example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and decreasing the abundance of potential harmful bacteria, such as Sutterella and Bilophila. Overall, our results for the first time demonstrated that modification of gut microbiota by dietary whole cranberry might contribute to its inhibitory effects against the development of colitis in DSS-treated mice.

Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabis) and its bioactive compounds, including cannabinoids and non-cannabinoids, have been extensively studied for their biological effects in recent decades. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-intoxicating cannabinoid in Cannabis, has emerged as a promising intervention for cancer research. The purpose of this review is to provide insights into the relationship between CBD and cancer based on recent research findings. The anticancer effects of CBD are mainly mediated via its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, resulting in the alleviation of pain and the promotion of immune regulation. Published reviews have focused on the applications of CBD in cancer pain management and the possible toxicological effects of its excessive consumption. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms of action underlying the anticancer activities of CBD against several common cancers. Studies on the efficacy and mechanisms of CBD on cancer prevention and intervention in experimental models (i.e., cell culture- and animal-based assays) and human clinical studies are included in this review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest cancer-related mortality in the world. The incident rates of CRC vary country-wise; however, population studies and data from different countries show a general increase in the CRC rate in young adults, males, and females ≥65 years. CRC incidence is affected by age, sex, environmental, dietary, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Obesity is a known disease that is spreading rapidly throughout the world. A large body of literature indicates that, among many conditions, obesity is the increasing cause of CRC. Even though obesity is one of the known factors for CRC development, limited studies are available that explain the mechanistic link between obesity, sex hormones, and CRC development. Thus, this review summarizes the literature and aims to understand sex-dependent differences in CRC, especially in the context of obesity.

Luteolin and sulforaphane are well-known food bioactives with anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we demonstrated the synergistic interactions between luteolin and sulforaphane against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in macrophages.