Cooking Classes for Cardiovascular and Mental Health

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Cristina Miller, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Tulane University

Must not be taking: Insulins, Anti-diabetics, HAART, Beta blockers

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Food allergies, Special diets, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

96 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how cooking classes focused on the Mediterranean diet can improve heart and mental health in seniors from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Participants divide into two groups: one attends cooking classes, while the other continues with their usual diet and medical advice. Individuals aged 55 and older, who speak English and have no history of heart disease or cancer, might be suitable candidates. These classes aim to make healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable, potentially leading to better overall health. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to research that could enhance dietary health strategies for seniors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, if you are currently taking medications that affect blood sugar or cholesterol levels, like insulin or metformin, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that this culinary education is safe for seniors?

Research has shown that cooking classes can boost attitudes and confidence about eating healthy. One study found that both adults and children developed better eating habits after taking cooking classes. Another study focused on children and showed that they ate more fruits and vegetables after cooking lessons.

These findings suggest that cooking classes are both safe and beneficial. Participants learn about nutrition and make healthier food choices. While there are no traditional "safety" risks like with a new drug, these classes are well-received and can positively impact health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about cooking classes as a treatment for cardiovascular and mental health because they offer a hands-on approach to improving lifestyle habits. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or dietary counseling, these classes provide practical culinary skills that empower participants to make healthier food choices on their own. This experiential learning could lead to more sustainable behavior changes and potentially improve overall well-being. By focusing on cooking, this intervention may address both physical and mental health simultaneously, offering a holistic approach that is different from the usual diet advice given by doctors.

What evidence suggests that cooking classes are effective for improving cardiovascular and mental health?

Research has shown that cooking classes can boost confidence and positivity about preparing healthy meals, even if they don't directly alter heart health risk factors. In this trial, participants in the culinary intervention group will receive structured, hands-on culinary education classes. One study found that online cooking classes helped people adhere to the Mediterranean diet, often associated with better heart health. Participation in cooking programs has also been shown to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life. These findings suggest that cooking classes might not only improve eating habits but also support mental well-being. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lu Qi, PhD, MD

Principal Investigator

Tulane University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The CHOP Trial is for seniors and racial/ethnic minorities who face disparities in nutrition. Participants should be interested in improving their heart health and mental well-being through dietary changes. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically would include being within a certain age range and having conditions related to poor nutrition.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 55 years old or older.

English speaking

Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Food allergies including milk, eggs, shellfish, nuts, wheat or gluten, and soy

Special diets including Mediterranean, veganism, vegetarianism, gluten-free, and the ketogenic diet

No other vulnerable subjects will be involved

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 3 months of community teaching kitchen-based culinary education of the Mediterranean diet

12 weeks

Weekly visits for culinary education classes

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in blood glucose, blood lipid profile, cognitive function, depression severity, blood pressure, Mediterranean eating pattern adherence, loneliness severity, and social anxiety disorder

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cooking class

Trial Overview This trial tests the effectiveness of a cooking class based on Mediterranean diet principles against standard nutritional care. The study aims to see if these classes can improve heart health and mental wellness among diverse senior populations by teaching them culinary skills.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Culinary intervention group Active Control 1 Intervention

The interventions include the teaching-kitchen based structured, hands-on culinary education classes.

Group II: Usual diet control group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the usual diet group will not receive culinary education classes, while they will continue to receive clinical care recommendations from their physician(s).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Tulane University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

129

Recruited

259,000+

Humana Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

70+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7050805/

The effect of culinary interventions (cooking classes) on ... Culinary interventions did not significantly change cardiometabolic risk factors, but improved attitudes, self-efficacy, and healthy dietary ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149724000288

Examining the long-term effectiveness of a culinary ... The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a culinary nutrition education program at a 3-month follow-up, in terms of children's dietary practices and ...

3. nutrition.bmj.com nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2023/02/02/bmjnph-2022-000477

Virtual teaching kitchen classes and cardiovascular ... Virtual culinary medicine education is associated with higher MedDiet adherence and lifestyle medicine counselling competencies among medical trainees.

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/8/1357

Influence of a Virtual Plant-Based Culinary Medicine ... Participation in a group culinary medicine intervention improved mood, stress, and health-related quality of life, warranting larger, diverse studies.

5. bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-024-05265-w

Exploring the effectiveness of virtual and in-person instruction ... The findings of this study suggest that overall, students were highly satisfied with the Culinary Medicine course over a five-year period. The ...

6. esmed.org esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/download/3172/193546371

Kids Cooking Schools: A Case Report of How Culinary ... Children showed increased nutrition and food safety knowledge. The children reported increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666324000394

The impact of school-based cooking classes on vegetable ... Children's cooking programmes result in small improvements in cooking efficacy and vegetable intake, particularly those with more than 6 h of classes.

8. cdc.gov cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/14_0267.htm

The Impact of Cooking Classes on Food-Related ... Findings suggest that cooking programs may positively influence children's food-related preferences, attitudes, and behaviors.

9. pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-020-00697-9

A community feasibility study of a cooking behavior ... This study seeks to demonstrate feasibility of a community-based cooking intervention and to provide necessary information to plan future interventions.