PhD. In human nutrition. Associate Professor of Department of Human Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA

Biograph
More than 14 years in functional foods and human chronic diseases and aging research, published more than 33 research articles in international peer-reviewed journals. Current research projects funded from USDA, NIH and other agencies are focusing on bioactive components and whole functional foods on various diseases including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, aging and cancer.

Speech Title: How do functional foods prevent chronic diseases?

Abstract: Functional foods, natural or modified foods that improve health or well-being by providing benefits beyond the traditional nutrients, are one of the hot topics in food and health research. Although numerous basic, clinical and behavior studies focusing on human diseases have been reported, more investigations are needed to understand whether and how functional foods, particularly natural functional foods prevent, treat chronic diseases and improve health. In this presentation, I will evaluate the effects of the popular natural functional foods including soybean/toufu, grapes/wine, chocolate/cocoa, green tea, ginseng etc based on our and others’ studies in cells, animals and humans. The physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the health-improving actions by these functional foods and the bioactive components will be further highlighted.