Plant-Based Diets, Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Foods: An Innovative and Sustainable Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Menopausal Metabolic Syndrome

Dear Colleagues,

Plant-based diets (including the Mediterranean diet and vegetarian diet) are considered the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. The transition from premenopause to postmenopause is associated with the development of multiple elements of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Growing evidence suggests a favorable association between high adherence to a plant-based diet and the therapeutic management of menopausal MetS.  The prevention and treatment of MetS in menopause should mainly focus on lifestyle modifications (i.e., diet and physical activity). The identification of the active constituents of plant-based diets is crucial in the formulation of appropriate dietary guidelines. Research into the biochemical properties of the minor components of these diets (vitamins, sterols, polyphenols, etc.) is very active and could lead to the formulation of bioactive foods and nutraceuticals.

The goal of this Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled “Plant-based Diets, Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Foods: An Innovative and Sustainable Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Menopausal Metabolic Syndrome”, is to highlight novel research findings on plant-based diets as source of bioactive foods and nutraceuticals that could represent an innovative and sustainable approach for the prevention and treatment of menopausal MetS.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and mini-reviews focusing on, but not limited, to the following topics: animal and clinical studies of plant-based diets and their micronutrients, as well as their influence on relevant health outcomes; synergistic or antagonistic action between different bioactive foods or nutraceuticals present in plant-based diets on neuroendocrine–immune system modulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis; and plant-based diets and their minor components as an example of “sustainable innovation”.

Prof. Dr. Herbert Ryan Marini
Guest Editor

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• plant-based diet
• metabolic syndrome
• menopause
• nutraceuticals
• bioactive foods
• sustainable innovation