Dietetics

Medicines are designed to cure or prevent distinct symptoms of diseases. However, medication almost is the last solution when prevention or treatments through miscellaneous ways are available. One of the most promising ways is via consumption of healthy food products. From the food technology point of view, foods are consumed for three main reasons: nourishment (providing basic nutritional requirements of body), hedonism (enjoyment during the consumption) and trade (economics of purchasing and sailing)

The human genome is estimated to encode over 30,000 genes, and to be responsible for generating more than 100,000 functionally distinct proteins. Understanding the interrelationships among genes, gene products, and dietary habits is fundamental to identifying those who will benefit most from or be placed at risk by intervention strategies.

Unraveling the multitude of nutrigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic patterns that arise from the ingestion of foods or their bioactive food components will not be simple but is likely to provide insights into a tailored approach to diet and health. The use of new and innovative technologies, such as microarrays, RNA interference, and nanotechnologies, will provide needed insights into molecular targets for specific bioactive food components and how they harmonize to influence individual phenotypes.

Undeniably, to understand the interaction of food components and gene products, we have aligned dietetics with the “omics” of nutrition.

An individual’s response to dietary intervention will depend on his or her genetic background and that this information may be used to promote human health and disease prevention. 

Research shows that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other plant foods are associated with a reduced risk of inflammation, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, and some specific foods may have particularly powerful benefits:

• Berries: Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are a rich source of numerous phytochemicals that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health.
• Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower) contain a number of phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which has benefits for cardiovascular health, healthy blood sugar and cancer prevention.
• Cinnamon: Even ½ teaspoon a day may help balance blood sugar.
• Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish have anti-inflammatory properties. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fatty fish each week to help prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Fermented Foods: Fermented and cultured foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and miso) support digestive function and a healthy immune system.
• Garlic: According to the AICR, there is probable evidence that garlic and other members of the allium family (onions, leeks, shallots, scallions) reduce the risk of developing common cancers.
• Ginger and Turmeric. These spice relatives have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Ginger can also help ease nausea and vomiting.
• Green tea. The phytochemical EGCG in green tea has been shown to have some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, and may have heart health benefits.
• Shiitake mushrooms. In human studies, shiitakes have demonstrated anti-cancer, immune boosting and cholesterol lowering properties.
• Nuts. A number of studies have shown nuts to be helpful for cardiovascular function and healthy blood sugar.

Find Out If Your Body Needs More Of:

• Vitamin C: in order to reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease & diabetes
• Folate:  in order to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and birth defects
• Whole Grains: in order to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Omega 3 Fat: in order to reduce the risk of high triglyceride levels & heart disease

Find Out Your Personal Limit For:

• Saturated Fats: in order to reduce the risk of obesity/high BMI
• Sodium: in order to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, chronic hypertension and heart attack
• Caffeine: in order to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack

NUTRIGENOMIC TESTING AND ANALYSIS

Nutrigenomic testing is a state-of-the-art, innovative technology aimed at bridging the gap between modern genetics and nutrition