Bioactive vegetables integrated into ethnic “Three Sisters Crops” garden targeting foods for type 2 diabetes-associated health disparities of American Indian communities

Abstract Background Health-targeted ethnic food models are essential to address worldwide health disparities. One population of the United States that experiences some of the worst rates of diet-related chronic diseases is the American Indians. Current contemporary dietary models of American Indians are based on higher consumption of calorie-dense foods from hyper processed grains and refined lipids, leading to higher rates of non-communicable chronic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes (T2D). To counter these health disparities of American Indian communities, strategies are being advanced to build community gardens based on culturally and ecologically relevant ethnic food models. Therefore, the major aim of this study was to integrate bioactive-enriched vegetables to enhance nutritional diversity of an ethnic and traditional "Three Sisters Crops" garden concept of American Indians. Methods T2D-relevant rapid in vitro screening models were used to evaluate the phenolic bioactive-linked anti-hyperglycemia and anti-hypertensive properties of seven selected vegetables which were integrated with the ethnic "Three Sisters Crops"-based garden model of American Indians. Results Highest phenolic-linked anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties were found in kale which was integrated in the ethnic "Three Sisters Crops" garden targeting dietary support of T2D and hypertension management. Conclusion Such health-targeted models based on local and ethnic food systems concept can contribute significantly to addressing health disparities in American Indian communities of the northern plains and other parts of the North America.