Journal Article Review Epublish
PubMed: 40430238 DOI: 10.3390/life15050812
Milpa Diet for MASLD in Mesoamerican Populations: Feasibility, Advantages, and Future Perspectives.
Life (Basel) 15(5)
Authors: Aline Huerta-Álvarez, Mariana Arellano, Clyo Anahí Chávez-Méndez, Paulina Carpinteyro-Espin, Carmen Palacios-Reyes, Juanita Pérez-Escobar
Affiliations
- Department of Nutrition, Hospital Juárez of Mexico, Mexico City 07760, Mexico.
- Center of Research in Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico.
- Private Nutrition Practice, Hospital Angeles Mocel, Mexico City 11850, Mexico.
- Department of Transplantation, Hospital Juárez of Mexico, Mexico City 07760, Mexico.
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guanajuato, León de los Aldama 37320, Mexico.
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, linked closely to metabolic syndrome and rising obesity rates. Affecting up to 37% of the global adult population, MASLD prevalence is exceptionally high among individuals of Hispanic descent, with genetic factors such as the PNPLA3 gene mutation playing a significant role. The subject of this review is the traditional Mesoamerican "milpa" diet, which includes unprocessed local crops like maize, beans, pumpkins, chili, and tomatoes and may represent a strategy to combat MASLD. Current treatment recommendations emphasize weight loss; a reduced intake of saturated fats, processed meats, and added sugars; and increased physical activity. The milpa diet, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, aligns with these recommendations and could potentially mitigate MASLD by preventing liver fat accumulation and fibrosis. This narrative review focuses on available preclinical and clinical studies adopting the milpa diet as a culturally relevant, nutritious, and sustainable dietary approach in preventing and treating MASLD. More clinical studies are needed to develop precise nutritional quantitative recommendations and guidelines.
MeSH
Liver Diseases, Genes, Liver, Diet, Antioxidants