Personalized nutrition (PN) represents a transformative approach in dietary science, where individual genetic profiles guide tailored dietary recommendations, thereby optimizing health outcomes and managing chronic diseases more effectively. This review synthesizes key aspects of PN, emphasizing the genetic basis of dietary responses, contemporary research, and practical applications. We explore how individual genetic differences influence dietary metabolisms, thus underscoring the importance of nutrigenomics in developing personalized dietary guidelines. Current research in PN highlights significant gene–diet interactions that affect various conditions, including obesity and diabetes, suggesting that dietary interventions could be more precise and beneficial if they are customized to genetic profiles. Moreover, we discuss practical implementations of PN, including technological advancements in genetic testing that enable real-time dietary customization. Looking forward, this review identifies the robust integration of bioinformatics and genomics as critical for advancing PN. We advocate for multidisciplinary research to overcome current challenges, such as data privacy and ethical concerns associated with genetic testing. The future of PN lies in broader adoption across health and wellness sectors, promising significant advancements in public health and personalized medicine.

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut–heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests connections between CVD risk factors―including hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLP), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and physical inactivity―and AD. The Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern has recently garnered considerable attention as a key preventive strategy for both CVDs and AD. While previous studies have examined the connections between CVD risk factors and AD, they have not thoroughly explored their underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the current literature review aims to synthesize the literature and highlight underlying mechanisms from preclinical to clinical studies to elucidate the relationship between CVD risk factors, AD, and the role of the MIND dietary pattern in these conditions. The MIND dietary pattern emphasizes foods rich in antioxidants and brain-healthy nutrients such as vitamin E, folate, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. These components have been associated with reduced amyloid-β accumulation in preclinical studies and may contribute to the prevention of AD, either directly or indirectly by affecting CVD risk factors. Despite the extensive evidence from preclinical and observational studies, few clinical trials have investigated the effects of the MIND dietary pattern on cognitive health. Therefore, long-term clinical trials are required to better understand and establish the potential role of the MIND dietary pattern in preventing and managing AD.

Adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a 10-fold higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with the general population. We assessed cardiovascular health metrics in an adult with T1D who presented with a euglycemic HbA1c after following a ketogenic diet for the past 10 years. Despite concerns about the ketogenic diet increasing CVD risk, the participant exhibited below-average CVD risk relative to others with T1D when considering all outcomes together.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. This disease often leads to poor health outcomes, such as neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers, and increased risk for comorbidities such as cardiovascular complications and renal disease. Lifestyle modifications including diet and physical activity interventions are often explored as prevention and management strategies for T2DM. It is well established that fruits are a rich source of fiber and a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can help optimize human health. Unfortunately, many experts associate the consumption of fruit with a moderate to high glycemic index (GI), which leads to a spike in blood glucose and eventually elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The purpose of this comprehensive review is to outline the current clinical literature on the relationship between fruit consumption and various indices of glucose metabolism. A variety of fruits have been clinically studied to determine this relationship, namely in the fresh form (e.g., berries, apples, watermelon, cherries, mangoes), dried fruits (raisins and dates), and juices (derived from cranberry, orange, grape, cherry, and pomegranate). Overall, intake of fruits and fruit-derived products is beneficial for healthy subjects and subjects with T2DM regarding their impact on glucose metabolism and other cardiometabolic markers (e.g., inflammatory responses, lipid profiles). Nonetheless, it is more advisable for diabetic patients to consume fresh or dried fruits rather than fruit-derived products. A special consideration needs to be attributed to both the amount of fruit intake with regards to their respective GI and glycemic load (GL), and when these fruits are consumed. Trials with more a comprehensive design and specific outcomes are required to reveal the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of fruit consumption on the T2DM population particularly.

Background: Prediabetes is on the rise and can progress to type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic complications if left untreated. Nutrition plays a critical role in blood glucose regulation, and evaluating the effects of whole foods on indices of glycemic control and body composition within individuals with prediabetes is important. This study examined whether consuming one average fresh mango daily for 24 weeks could improve the blood glucose indices and body composition in individuals with prediabetes. Methods: The participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (~300 g mango daily for 24 weeks) or a control group (an isocaloric granola bar daily for 24 weeks). Laboratory visits were conducted at baseline and at weeks 6, 12, and 24 to distribute the study regimen and collect anthropometric measurements, body composition data, and blood samples. Results: Twenty-three participants completed this study (treatment: n = 11; control: n = 12). At week 24, the treatment group had lower fasting blood glucose (p < 0.02) and improved insulin sensitivity (QUICKI, p = 0.02), and indicated a trend toward lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.05) compared with the control. The mean HbA₁c remained stable in the treatment group but increased in the control group (p = 0.02). In the treatment group, the body fat percentage showed a borderline decrease (p = 0.05), while the fat-free mass increased (p < 0.03); no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: The daily consumption of mango for 24 weeks improved the glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with prediabetes, which supports the potential of mango as a practical dietary intervention for metabolic health.