For centuries, there have been claims that healthy food garnished with exotic spices and condiments provides vital nutrients that help ward off diseases, especially preventable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (hypertension, coronary artery disease) and promote longevity. The purpose of writing this book is to update the public about the health benefits of ingredients (phytochemicals) in spices and healthy food using existing scientific evidence. The ultimate proof of health benefits will be deciphered by the isolation and identification of specific phytochemicals acting on specific receptors in the body exerting their biological effects. The important point being emphasized is that if the physiological effect of an ingredient is glaring, it is considered to elicit a significant response. However, when the effect of an ingredient is significant, yet the effect is not readily perceivable then the usefulness goes unnoticed and can be questioned as a myth. For example, coffee has several ingredients, but only caffeine acting on the adenosine receptors stimulates the central nervous system and promotes wakefulness. Similarly, the specific active ingredient in hot chili pepper, capsaicin, activates a member of a recently identified family of receptors called transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which is involved in certain modalities of pain, promotes the release of hormones in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although, the bioavailability of the active ingredients is low, it is important to realize that these ingredients can cause significant local effects in the GI tract by preventing cholesterol regeneration by subduing microbiota, inhibiting precancerous growth by promoting calcium influx and stimulating nerve endings to transmit information and to release of gut hormones that are involved in regulating a variety of functions including appetite and satiety.

In many Western diets, the role of plants has been reduced in favour of more animal-based products and this is now being cited more widely as being the cause of increases in the incidence of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. This important book covers the biochemistry and nutritional importance of a wide range of phytonutrients, including all the major macronutrients as well as the micronutrients and 'non-essential' nutrients. Phytonutrients is divided into three parts. The first deals with the role of plants in the human diet. Part II, representing the major part of the book covers in turn each of the major phytonutrient groups. Chapters include: non-lipid micronutrients, lipids and steroids, carotenoids, phenolics, vitamins C, E, folate/vitamin B12, phytoestrogens, other phytonutrients and minerals, and anti-nutritional factors. The final part of the book covers the methods used to manipulate levels of phytonutrients in the diet, such as fortification, supplementation and the use of genetically modified plants. Phytonutrients is an essential purchase for nutritionists, food scientists and plant biochemists, particularly those dealing with nutrients from plants, and their use in the human diet.

This book helps explain why eating a variety of plants provides many health benefits, including stimulating healing, helping relieve the pain of arthritis, contributing to weight loss and helping reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers. Phytochemicals are health-promoting compounds produced by plants that provide the kaleidoscope of colours that we see in fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. They are responsible for the brilliant flavours and medicinal properties of plants, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that are critical to our health. They provide the pungent smell of garlic, the intense colour of blueberries, the zing of ginger and the heat of chillies. Phytochemicals include caffeine in coffee, carotenoids in carrots, curcumin in turmeric and resveratrol in red wine. "Feast on Phytochemicals" provides a practical summary of current research into healthy plant compounds provided by commonly eaten fruit, vegetable, herbs and spices, as well as Australian bush food plants.

The Low GI Diet is the only science-based diet that is proven to help you lose weight and develop a lifetime of healthy eating habits that can help you achieve optimum health and wellbeing and protect against illness and disease. This guide features: an effective 12-week action plan based on low GI eating, exercise, and activity goals for each week which will enable you to lose up to ten per cent of your current body weight; plus an ongoing maintenance program tips to help you maintain weight loss for life delicious recipes and meal plans the GI tables with the GI values of all your favourite foods. The result: A slimmer, fitter, healthier you for the rest of your life! Brought to you by the authors of the worldwide bestselling The New Glucose Revolution series on the glycemic index, The Low GI Diet explains how choosing low GI carbohydrates can help you feel fuller for longer and increase your energy levels making weight loss achievable and sustainable. A companion volume to the newly revised and updated The Low GI Handbook. Start losing weight and improving your overall health today.

To do what no other magazine does: Deliver simple, delicious food, plus expert health and lifestyle information, that's exclusively vegetarian but wrapped in a fresh, stylish mainstream package that's inviting to all. Because while vegetarians are a great, vital, passionate niche, their healthy way of eating and the earth-friendly values it inspires appeals to an increasingly large group of Americans. VT's goal: To embrace both.

The newest edition of the most trusted nutrition bible. Since its first, highly successful edition in 1996, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide has continually served as the gold-standard resource for advice on healthy eating and active living at every age and stage of life. At once accessible and authoritative, the guide effectively balances a practical focus with the latest scientific information, serving the needs of consumers and health professionals alike. Opting for flexibility over rigid dos and don’ts, it allows readers to personalize their own paths to healthier living through simple strategies. This newly updated Fifth Edition addresses the most current dietary guidelines, consumer concerns, public health needs, and marketplace and lifestyle trends in sections covering Choices for Wellness; Food from Farm to Fork; Know Your Nutrients; Food for Every Age and Stage of Life; and Smart Eating to Prevent and Manage Health Issues.