Author
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Berhow, Mark |
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Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 8/27/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Plants synthesize millions of different chemicals in the so-called secondary metabolic pathways which are not considered to be essential nutrients for daily human health. However, there is increasing evidence that some of these compounds may have an effect on certain chronic diseases and aging effects in humans. These chemicals are being called phytonutrients. Studies have recently been initiated on the roles these phytonutrients play in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer. Processing of foods often eliminates some of these compounds from the final product. The advent of new analytical techniques allows for the identification and quantitation of these phytonutrients in both plants and processing products. The key will be the development of accurate and efficient bioassay systems to determine the biologically active components in these foods. These chemicals and the analytical procedures will be reviewed and discussed in relationship to their application to grain derived beta-glucan products such as Oatrim, and Nu-trim. New research projects have been initiated at NCAUR to identify these naturally occurring chemicals in plants and agricultural products which have biological activity in human nutrition. |
