An estimated 87 percent of U.S. consumers do not eat the recommended 4 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. The goal of this research is to improve the nutritional density of common fruits and vegetables in a range of consumer products. Researchers said it is not about how many fruits and vegetables are on your plate but rather how the health benefits can be more effectively delivered to the body. Researchers will use cutting-edge genetic and phenotype mapping of blueberries, bananas and spinach to identify breeding practices to enhance the nutritional content of these foods.
The ways in which different food products are prepared and processed affects the nutritional content of those products. Once researchers study the genetic attributes that improve nutritional quality, they will develop more accurate equivalencies between whole fruits or vegetables and products that contain them as an ingredient, such as snacks, beverages and prepared meals.
The research is being led by Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI) Mario Ferruzzi, Ph.D. and Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D., with the Plants for Human Health Institute at North Carolina State University.
“It’s incredibly difficult to change consumer behavior and increase the number of servings consumed,” said Lila, “but by examining how the genetic makeup of a plant affects the density and availability of bioactive phytochemicals and micronutrients, we can possibly improve processing and ingredient formulation so that every serving that is consumed provides greater health benefit. This project represents a direct interface between plant genetics, food science and nutrition science that we believe will help close the gap between dietary guidance and actual fruit and vegetable consumption.”
Researchers will partner with industry collaborators to access fruit and vegetable products for analysis and provide guidance for how to integrate recommendations into the food chain.
“The quality of our crops and their nutrient densities play a big role in supporting the health of our nation,” said John Troup, Ph.D., vice president of Standard Process, Inc. “This project will play an important role in advancing the health and wellness interests of consumers and practitioners over time and so represents an exciting program and collaboration we are proud to support and be a part of.”
Researchers on this project, “Closing the gap in delivery of fruit and vegetable benefits,” include:
- Mario Ferruzzi, Ph.D., co-PI, professor at North Carolina State University
- Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D., co-PI, David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University
- Massimo Iorizzo, Ph.D., co-investigator, assistant professor at North Carolina State University
- Colin Kay, Ph.D., co-investigator, associate professor at North Carolina State University
This project is supported by FFAR through its Seeding Solutions grant program, which calls for bold, innovative and potentially transformative research proposals in the Foundation’s seven Challenge Areas. This grant supports the Making My Plate Your Plate Challenge Area, which aims to increase the production and accessibility of nutritious foods.
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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.
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