Transcript Functional Foods - University of Kentucky

The Diet and Cancer
Connection
Dr. Sandra Bastin, RD, LD
University of Kentucky
Cooperative Extension Service
Objectives
 What are functional foods?
 Connections science has confirmed between
some foods and health benefits.
 Specific nutrients and non-nutrients found in
functional foods thought to be of benefit to
overall wellness.
 The importance of a balanced diet and plenty of
physical activity.
The Value of a Varied Diet!
Causes of Death Comparison
Deaths per 100,000
1996
300
250
200
150
KY
US
100
50
0
Heart
Disease
All Cancers
Diabetes
mellitus
Kentucky Cancer Burden
2000
Deaths per 100,000 persons
70
60
50
40
KY
US
30
20
10
0
Lung
Breast
Coloretal
Prostate
Definition of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds typically found in
foods that significantly decrease the adverse
effect of oxidants on body functions.
Oxidative stress is damage inflicted on cells in
the body.
Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive
molecules that cause oxidative stress.
The Theory of
Antioxidants & Disease
Oxygen free
radical
Fatty acids, DNA, or
cholesterol
Vitamin E stops the chain
reaction by changing the
nature of the free radical.
Vitamin E
Common Antioxidants
Carotenoids found in fruits &
vegetables ~ carrots, fresh tomatoes,
tomato products, green vegetables,
peppers, squash
Vitamin C found in oranges & orange
juice, peppers, tomatoes, & many other
fruits & vegetables
Common Antioxidants
Vitamin E found in nuts, fats & oils,
Wheat germ & green leafy vegetables.
Selenium mostly found in seafood & organ meats
Top Antioxidant
Fruits & Vegetables
Prunes
Raisins
Blueberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Plums
Oranges
Red Grapes
Cherries
Kale
Spinach
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Beets
Red bell pepper
Onion
Corn
Eggplant
Epidemiological Trends
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Age-related Blindness
Arthritis
Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes
Kidney Disease
Kentuckians Not Eating
Enough Fruits & Vegetables
85
84
83
82
81
Percentages
80
79
78
77
1990
1994
1996
1997
1998
Definition of Phytochemicals
Also known as phytonutrients.
Phytochemicals are substances found in plants
that may act as disease-fighting substances
or cause other health benefits when eaten as
part of a varied diet.
Dietary Fiber
 Insoluble fiber in wheat bran
 Betaglucan & saponins in oats
 Soluble fiber in oats, psyllium & whole
cereal grains
Benefits of Soyfoods
 Soy protein may reduce the risk of heart
disease.
 Isoflavones may reduce menopausal
symptoms.
 Saponins may lower cholesterol and fight
against cancer.
 Omega-3 Fatty Acids
 Probiotics
 Fructooligosaccharides
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Catechins
Tannins
Sulfides
Plant Sterols
The Diet Cancer Connection
Functional Foods
Functional foods are foods that provide a
specific health benefit above and beyond
their inherent nutritional value.