Research on Chocolate, Wine, and other Antioxidant Rich Foods Highlighted by American Chemical Society Symposium

The health benefits of antioxidants found in some food such as chocolate, tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables was the topic presented at a symposium by the American Chemical Society during its 246th National Meeting & Exposition.

Antioxidants are substances that are known to have health benefits that include reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. These protect cells against molecules produced by the body that damages cells known as free radicals.

The symposium,"Phenolic Derivatives for Food and Human Health", focuses on the antioxidant substances found in red wine, dark chocolate, olive oil, coffee, tea, and other foods and dietary supplements that are believed to bring about a healthy and long life.

Topics during the symposium include:

• The healthful effects of curcumin, found naturally in the spice, turmeric
• Substances in dried ginger that kill cancer cells
• How large intestine microbes interact with cranberry antioxidants in the diet
• Using biotechnology to make more effective antioxidants

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 163,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Berries Protect Brain From Toxins and Improve Behavior and Cognitive Functions

Researchers from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and University of Maryland Baltimore County conducted studies on the positive effects of a berry enriched diet on the brain. They found that having berries on a diet increases its protective functions against toxins that can cause alzheimer's disease and that it alleviates stress by improving the brain's behavior and cognitive functions.

Previous studies on berries, particularly strawberries and blueberries, show that regular consumption of berries slows down the degeneration of cognitive functions. In older women, the study shows a delayed cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years.

Current studies on berries extend its positive effects from delaying cognition to also protecting the brain from toxic accumulation as well as mitigating stress related behavior and cognitive decline. Phytonutrients present in the berries such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins is believed to be the contributing factor for this effect.

High Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Promotes Calm, Positive and Happy Behavior

Research published in the British Journal of Health Psychology show that high fruit and vegetable consumption promotes a happier and positive mood behavior among young people.

Fruits and vegetables are the dietary source for phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that are produced by plants.

There is wide belief that phytochemicals like anti-oxidants and carotenoids have a beneficial effect on the body. Laboratory studies suggest that these nutrients may reduce the risk of cancer. Most claims covering phytochemicals are just observational studies. Without any evidence based study, the US FDA restricts the promotion of health claims of the product.

Despite this, anti-oxidants like resveratrol (an anti-oxidant with anti-aging claims) are fast becoming popular over the counter nutritional supplement.

A recent study also published in the British Journal of Health Psychology showed a lower risk of depression in people with high carotenoid levels.