NC State University: Plants for Human Health Institute
Improving the health-enhancing properties of food crops
This research is aimed at discovering how biologically-active natural plant compounds confer protection against chronic diseases and enhance overall human performance. Specifically elucidated are the ways in which natural dietary mixtures of plant compounds enhance vigor and endurance and allow a consumer to take more control of health for themselves and their families. Projects will give insights on how to:
- Maximize benefits in cooked or prepared foods
- Identify Food Sources that benefit specific needs
- Combine foods for broad spectrum benefits and how those chemicals affect mammalian health and performance.
Increasing farm sustainability and profitability
Multidisciplinary research teams are developing new plant varieties and production systems that emphasize product quality, efficiency, availability and environmental stewardship. Research is providing genetic solutions to prevalent pests and diseases, reducing pesticide usage, and delivering highly competitive food products that are nutritious and delicious.
Developing Postharvest applications to improve health benefits of food
Research targets using storage and other applications following harvest to improve the phytochemical content of food crops, looking at the profiles of plants after treatment and the use of these strategies to tailor diets for prevention of chronic diseases.