Neil Knobloch, Purdue University Bhimu Patil, Texas A&M University

Do foods have additional health benefits beyond essential nutritional needs?

What are examples of foods for health? [think of examples in the news or in advertisements]

 Tomatoes  Red Wine  Oatmeal  Blueberries  Carrots  Vitamin C

Tomatoes are a source of abundant goodness, with processed tomatoes having even higher levels of nutrients simply because they’re concentrated. In fact, tomatoes are one of the top five food sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium and fiber. They’re also excellent sources of phytochemicals, polyphenols and carotenoids. They contain high concentrations of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process… Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries. In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants.

The benefits of alcohol are all about moderation. Low to moderate drinking – especially of red wine – appears to reduce all causes of mortality, while too much drinking causes multiple organ damage. A mini-review of recent findings on red wine's polyphenols, particularly one called resveratrol, will be published in the September issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research; the review is also available at Early View.

Specifically, the researchers found that low doses of resveratrol mimic the effects of what is known as caloric restriction - diets with percent fewer calories than a typical diet - that in numerous studies has been shown to extend lifespan and blunt the effects of aging.

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots' antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good vision, especially night vision.

Helps reduce cholesterol* Made from 100% whole grain Quaker Oats Good source of calcium, iron and 7 other essential vitamins and minerals

 What is vitamin C? ◦ The New York Times The New York Times ◦ Examiner.com Examiner.com  Which source has the most accurate facts about Vitamin C? ◦ Why? ◦ What are the differences between the sources?

 News Articles ◦ Antioxidants Pose No Melanoma Threat Antioxidants Pose No Melanoma Threat ◦ Vitamin C May Interfere with Cancer Treatment Vitamin C May Interfere with Cancer Treatment  Are these news stories accurate? ◦ How do you know? ◦ How can people distinguish valid claims?

Real story of Vitamin C

What is the process behind new developments in functional foods? [identify the steps]

A discovery is made in science The research is shared within the science community and interpreted by non-scientists Claims are made by the news media and companies Consumers determine if claims are valid and make decisions that influence their behaviors

What is the problem? [hint: there are many problems] [think about different perspectives…research and development, industry, consumers, society]

 In Science & Industry ◦ Breeding & Preharvest ◦ Post-harvest ◦ Processing ◦ Metabolic Interactions  In Society ◦ Health concerns (e.g., diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, etc.) ◦ Health care costs ◦ Consumers are disconnected from the food system and do not understand basic science ◦ News articles and knowledge claims are everywhere  How do consumers know what articles are true and which claims are valid?  Why are invalid claims made?

What are possible solutions to this problem? [brainstorm many possibilities]

Science Education and Policy Chemistry and Biochemistry Pre and Post Harvest Factors Health and Disease