Framing the Problem9.4.12

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

Do foods have additional health benefits beyond

essential nutritional needs?

Discussion

What are examples of foods for health?

[think of examples in the news or in advertisements]

Discussion Question

What are examples of foods for health?

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 20-30 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◦ Examiner.com

Which source has the most accurate facts about Vitamin C?◦ Why?◦ What are the differences between the sources?

Vitamin C

News Articles◦ Antioxidants Pose No Melanoma Threat◦ Vitamin C May Interfere with Cancer Treatment

Are these news stories accurate?◦ How do you know?◦ How can people distinguish valid claims?

Vitamin C in the News

Real story of Vitamin C

What is the process behind new developments in

functional foods?

[identify the steps]

Discussion

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 process?

What is the problem?

[hint: there are many problems]

[think about different perspectives…research and

development, industry, consumers, society]

Discussion

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 is the problem?

What are possible solutions to this problem?

[brainstorm many possibilities]

Discussion

How did we plan this course?

Science Education

and Policy

Chemistryand

Biochemistry

Pre and PostHarvestFactors

Healthand

Disease