Bioactive Foods

Bioactive Foods Research

Click here to view research projects

Bioactive food components influence a number of key metabolic processes in the body that can modify health and disease resistance, but a greater understanding is needed to develop effective tools for the prevention and treatment of disease. Assessment of the health effects of bioactive food components requires an understanding of :

(a) health promotion and disease conditions,

(b) what causes healthy cells/tissue/organ systems to become diseased,

(d) how external factors such as bioactive food components affect these processes and the resultant adverse health effects.

Our research utilizes novel as well as traditional approaches to assessing health effects and the suitability of these approaches in determining the health effects of bioactive food components.

Bioactive properties of some common foods

Grapes, red wine, tea, fresh fruit, and vegetables				Lowers risk of certain Cancers and Heart Disease, Helps in Reducing Weight, Relieves Constipation, Reduces Blood Pressure
Soybean and other soy-based products, flaxseed, cabbage, legumes, tea				Lowers LDL (bad) Cholesterol, Reduces risk of Heart Disease and some Cancers, Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels, Helps in healing of Stomach Ulcers, Aids in the building of Muscles
Whole grains, oats, fresh fruit with skin				Reduce Cardiovascular Disease, Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk, Prevents all types of Cancer, Powerful Antioxidants, Reduces and Prevents Wrinkles in Skin, Helps with Muscle Cramps
Evening primrose or borage oil, walnuts, rapeseed, fish, microalgae				Relieves Itching, Helps with Arthritis Inflammation, Skin and Hair Health, Improves Eye Function, Reduces risk of Kidney Disease, Increases Antibody Production
Green leafy vegetables				Reduces cataracts and age-related Macular Degeneration, Helps in Weight Management, Reduces risk of Cancer and Heart Disease
Carrots, corn, squash, oranges, papaya, red palm oil				Improves Eyesight, Antioxidants, Lowers Risk of Lung Cancer, Strengthens Immune System, Promotes Digestive Health, Increases HDL (good) Cholesterol, Protects against Heart Disease
Tomatoes				Promote Prostate Health, Prevent certain Cancers, Reduces Risk of Heart Disease, Reduces LDL (bad) Cholesterol, Anti-Inflammatory
Milk and fermented milk products				Strengthens Bones, Helps prevent Childhood Obesity, Boosts fat-burning potential, Protect against Gout, Promotes Thyroid Health