1
Topic 1: Intro
Lesson 1: Sampling of food topics
(topic.lesson.video)
1.1.2:
-
pomegranates
have anticancer properties because it contains
aromatase inhibitors
.
o
Breast cancer cell pomegranates juice multiply slower.
-
Dried apricots
in foothills of Himalayas
o
Contains
beta-carotene
(an antioxidant)
o
Apricot extracts or apricots pits sold as health item
However, laetrile is extracted from apricot pits.
Laetrile
is a
bogus cancer remedy
The research says apricots contain cyanide, and
cyanide
can preferentially
can kill cancer cells
.
1.1.3:
-
Flaxseed
o
Contains
omega-3 fats
. (not as biologically active as the ones found in fish)
Reduction in risk of cardiac arrhythmia, and the stories about pregnant women with flax seeds in
their data giving birth to more intelligent children.
o
Contains
lignans
Estrogen-like
properties
Phytoestrogen
, or plant-based estrogens (controversial chemical, because chemicals that acts
like estrogen can have strong biological effects, both pros/cons)
Eating lignans can have effect on breast cancer (effect has only been seen in
premenopausal, overweight women)
Intake of
flax seeds (liganans) reduces risk of breast cancer
.
o
Some breast cancers are stimulated by overproduction of estrogen.
o
Lignans
blocks estrogen receptors
o
Contains all kinds of
fiber
(both soluble and insoluble)
Fiber is
indigestible
Fiber is
manipulated by bacteria in colon
. (some of it is absorbed, while rest is excreted) –
laxative effect
Soluble fiber
can
reduce cholesterol
Insoluble fiber
has beneficial effect of
speeding substances through the gut
, regulating
us.
o
Making bread/bagel with flaxseed
-
Omega-3 eggs
o
Eggs linked to heart disease, because egg yolk contains large amount (~300mg) of cholesterol.
High blood level of cholesterol linked to heart disease
Not the same as saying egg is linked to heart disease, but the market still thinks that eggs are
danger.
Sales of fish have been increasing
o
Benefits of omega-3 X (or omega-3 fats)
o
How can egg market use this fact with omega-3?
How to get omega-3 fats in to egg?

2
Feed fish meal to the chickens (side affect: making the egg fishy)
Feed flaxseed to the chickens (increase omega-3 fat level in the egg)
-
Trans fat
o
Trans fat used (donut example) because it does not break down easily
Trans fat raises the level of cholesterol
o
Oat bran
can lower cholesterol level
oat bran used to be common animal feed
how much oat bran we need it to have effect on cholesterol level?
A soluble fiber called Beta glucan lowers the cholesterol level (3g/day)
o
1 cup of oat bran
o
3-5 muffins
o
1.5 cups of oatmeal (very good!)
o
5 servings of Cheerios (not easy, not good because of sugar content)
1.1.4:
-
Use of
calcium propionate
as
preservatives
for food (ex, white bread)
o
Propionate are does not have negative effect on health.
