Background/Objectives: The global shift towards vegan and vegetarian diets has garnered attention for their ethical, environmental, and potential health benefits. These diets are often rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which have been associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting a potential protective effect against systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding their impact on neurological health due to the possible deficiencies of critical nutrients such as vitamin B12, DHA, EPA, and iron. This review critically evaluates the influence of these dietary patterns on neurological outcomes, emphasizing their nutritional composition, potential deficiencies, and their interplay with inflammation and oxidative stress. Methods: A systematic review of the literature published between 2010 and 2023 was conducted, focusing on studies that explore the relationship between vegan and vegetarian diets and neurological health. Key nutrients such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc were analyzed alongside antinutritional factors and their effects on the nervous system. Results: Evidence suggests that vegan and vegetarian diets, when well planned, can be rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which have been associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These findings indicate a potential role in reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, deficiencies in critical nutrients such as vitamin B12, DHA, EPA, and iron have been consistently associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, the presence of antinutritional factors like phytates and oxalates may further impair nutrient absorption, necessitating careful dietary planning and supplementation. Conclusions: While plant-based diets provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, their neurological implications depend on nutrient adequacy. Proper planning, supplementation, and food preparation techniques are essential to mitigate risks and enhance cognitive health. Further research is needed to explore long-term neurological outcomes and optimize dietary strategies.

The psychophysiological response due to stress of soldiers in actual combat operations have been determined by recent researchers, but there is a lack of knowledge about the most effective training methodologies to prepare these population for these new psychophysiological and tactical requirements. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of an operative high intensity interval training (HIIT) in the psychophysiological response and shooting performance of professional soldiers. We analyzed 20 soldiers of the Spanish Army which performed an operative HIIT composed by 3 series of 7 repetitions of exercises based on operative military procedures with 30 s of workload and 30 s of resting between repetitions and 5 min resting between series. Blood lactate, rate of perceived exertion and stress, upper and lower limbs, and respiratory muscle strength, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, cortical arousal, short-term memory and anxiety response were measured before and after the training. After the training rated of perceived exertion and stress, leg strength, heart rate and lactate presented a significant increase and blood oxygen saturation and cortical arousal significantly decreased. An operative HIIT achieves similar psychophysical response than the evaluated in combat simulations in professional soldiers, producing a decrease in cortical arousal and lactate values over the anaerobic threshold.

This comprehensive review explores the dynamic relationship between sports, nutrition, and neurological health. Focusing on recent clinical advancements, it examines how physical activity and dietary practices influence the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. The review highlights the role of neuroimaging in understanding these interactions, discusses emerging technologies in neurotherapeutic interventions, and evaluates the efficacy of sports and nutritional strategies in enhancing neurological recovery. This synthesis of current knowledge aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors can be integrated into clinical practices to improve neurological outcomes.

An anticipatory stress response develops before an internal or external stimulus, which initiates a homeostasis process through a chain of responses that enable human organisms to face different threats, thus allowing them to adapt to a continuous and eliciting environment. In the current research, we analyzed the psychophysiological anticipatory anxiety response of professional soldiers prior to a real mission in an actual theater of operation. Autonomic modulation through the heart rate variability values, muscular strength manifestation, and psychological stress of 53 military personnel of Army Airmobile Forces (age: M = 35.4 years, SD = 5.88 years; height: M = 1.75 m, SD = 6.87 cm; body mass: M = 77.33 kg, SD = 11.95 kg; military duty = 14.44 years, SD = 6.43; military operation experience = 4 months, SD = 4.25 months) and a control group of 33 civil participants were analyzed. The military personnel presented significant differences in some HRV values related to the activation of sympathetic systems. We found that the military personnel presented an anticipatory anxiety response only at an autonomic level, showing an increased sympathetic modulation, but not at a psychological level, since their anxiety levels were not significantly different than those of the control civilians. In addition, this anticipatory anxiety response did not affect muscular strength manifestation, as it presented no significant differences between the military personnel and the control group.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the body composition symmetry in upper and lower body segments of aircrafts pilots. To reach the study aim, body composition in upper and lower body segments of 206 male aircraft pilots of the Spanish Army (23.1 ± 6.87 years) and 105 civilians (24.0 ± 6.29 years) were evaluated by a bioimpedance analyser (InBody 720, Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Aircraft pilots presented a tendency to dysmetria in upper and lower body segments, showing fitter values in the protagonist side when performing flight functions. Dysmetria could be detrimental during flight manoeuvres and produce injuries in aircraft pilots. It would be recommended to design specific training protocols to improve this imbalance.

Cocoa-based foods are increasingly recognized as complex plant-derived matrices with potential relevance for metabolic health, driven by interactions among multiple bioactive components. Metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, are characterized by disturbances in glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. This narrative review critically examines the antidiabetic potential of cocoa-based plant matrices, integrating evidence from nutritional biochemistry and metabolic physiology. We analyze the specific role of cocoa flavanols in redox-sensitive signaling pathways related to nitric oxide bioavailability and insulin signaling. Furthermore, we evaluate how complementary matrix components, such as non-glycemic sweeteners, prebiotic and viscous fibers, oleic-rich lipids, and micronutrients, modulate postprandial glycemic responses, gut microbiota activity, and overall metabolic regulation. Current evidence indicates that the metabolic effects of cocoa cannot be attributed to isolated compounds but emerge from coordinated interactions within the food matrix. Understanding these multi-component dynamics is essential for the rational design of cocoa-based functional foods aimed at improving glycemic control and supporting metabolic resilience.