Traditional herbal remedies that influence cell adhesion molecule activity

Many traditional medicines have demonstrated immune activity; however; research has largely neglected their effects on cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). This review reports on extracts from 37 medicinal plant species; similar to or replicating traditional preparations; that up- or down regulate either gene or protein activity of CAMs. The majority of the investigations were in vitro; […]

What Works? Process Evaluation of a School-Based Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Program in Mississippi.

BACKGROUND: During the 2004-2005 school year; the Mississippi Department of Education; Office of Child Nutrition; initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program. METHODS: The process evaluation addressed where; when and how […]

Effect of drying methods on physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of date fibre concentrates

Effects of different drying methods (freeze-; oven- and sun-drying) on physico-chemical properties of date fibre concentrates (DFC) from three potential Tunisian cultivars were investigated. DFC had high contents of dietary fibre (71.01–93.46% dry matter); with high proportions of insoluble dietary fibre. Freeze dried DFC had the highest values of swelling; water holding and oil holding […]

Dietary supplements and functional foods: 2 sides of a coin?

Dietary supplements are used by more than one-half of the adult US population. In contrast to pharmaceuticals; dietary supplements may be sold in the United States with little regulation other than listing of ingredients and the potential health benefits. By contrast; herbal products in Germany are carefully regulated by the same standards as drugs; and […]

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Functional foods

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that functional foods; including whole foods and fortified; enriched; or enhanced foods; have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis; at effective levels. The Association supports research to define further the health benefits and risks […]