Indroduction

The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders have been increasing in the world population. However, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the Barker’s Theory (1993), hormonal, nutritional or environmental changes during critical periods of development such as gestation, lactation or adolescence may result in changes to the basic functions of the human body in childhood and “program” the progeny for the emergence of chronic diseases in the adult life, like DM2, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal dysbiosis, and hormonal and metabolic dysregulation. This phenomenon is known as “metabolic programming” or “developmental plasticity”.^,

In the same direction, many authors have demonstrated the impact of an unhealthy diet on the development of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and increased cardiovascular disorders.^, On the other hand, we know that the regular consumption of plant-based foods (cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, tree nuts and seeds), moderate consumption of seafood, fish and dairy and reduced consumption of alcohol, red meat and meat products may prevent and/or protect against diseases and provide health benefits, which is now widely recognized by health professionals.^,

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