Health and Wellbeing: Green Fruits

Transcription

1 Health and Wellbeing: Green Fruits Dr Laura Vickers Harper Adams University, Crop and Environment Science Department, Newport, Shropshire TF10

2 Harper Adams University Founded in 1901 World leading specialist university tackling the future development of our planet's food production, processing and supply chain management The University is organised into five academic departments: Animal Production Welfare and Veterinary Sciences Crop and Environment Sciences Agricultural Engineering Food Science and Agri-food Supply Chain Management Land, Farm and Agribusiness Management

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4 200 acres arable, 200 acres grassland and forage, 100 acres conservation, woodland and sports, 210 hectares tenanted, commercial crop trials unit, food sensory lab, specialist laboratories, protected-field based growing, commercial pig, poultry and dairy production, engineering workshop, soil hall, off road track

5 What is Health and Wellbeing The World Health Organisation defines Health and Wellbeing (1984) as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease Food can have a positive impact on wellbeing; physical and mental. In some cultures food is also integral to social activities and connected with social wellbeing Interactions with others Lifestyle including diet Finances Environment including work and socio-political status

6 Actions in the Health in Myanmar Report 2014 The Department of Health s National Nutrition Centre (NNC) implemented a National Health Plan programme covering two broad areas: Nutrition and Household Food Security The ultimate aim of the nutrition program is "Attainment of nutritional wellbeing of all citizens as part of the overall social-economic development by means of health and nutrition activities together with the cooperative efforts by the food production sector".

7 NNC five objectives: 1. To improve household food security 2. To promote nutritional status of the population by educating and practicing balanced diet 3. To prevent and manage properly under-nutrition, over-nutrition and dietrelated chronic diseases 4. To observe periodically nutritional status under nutritional surveillance system 5. To strengthen nutritional infrastructure Myanmar has identified five nutrient deficiencies as its major nutritional problems: 1. Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) 2. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) 3. Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) 4. Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) 5. Vitamin B1 Deficiency (VBD)

8 How can green fruits help? Health (physical) Fruit and vegetables known for health benefits; preventing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and combating sugar cravings Advances in area of nutrigenomics are helping us to understand how foods interact with gene expression, and can contribute to Type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers etc Fruit and veg provide us with vitamins and minerals (antioxidants, Vit A, C, E and Selenium) They also provide phytonutrients that are anti inflammatory, assist digestion, slow carbohydrate absorption, promote satiety

9 How can green fruits help? Health (mental) Body of evidence connecting mental health to diet is growing at a rapid rate 2012 UK study found 5+ portions of fruit and veg correlate to improving mental illness whilst 7+ portions correlate to increased life satisfaction and wellbeing An Australian study showed (Mujcic & Oswald) increased consumption affects wellbeing and happiness. Eight portions equaled 0.24 increase in life-satisfaction points (similar to employment from unemployment) England (2014) 14k individuals were asked about their diet and mental well being. Lowest mental well being individuals often were smokers, obese and lower consumers for fruit and vegetables. The highest category of mental well being had a high level of fruit and vegetable consumption Evidence that food plays a role in the development, management and prevention of depression, schizophrenia, ADHD and alzheimers

10 How can fruit and veg affect mood? Thiamin (B1) associated with the control of mood Absorption of water-soluble minerals potassium and vitamins such as folic acid (B9) impact adrenaline and serotonin receptors

11 Specific properties of Major Fruits grown in Myanmar attributing to Health and Wellbeing (physical and mental) Dragon Fruit Hylocereus undatus Vitamin C (boosting immunity) and packed with B vits; thiamine B1 (mood), riboflavin B2 (mild anti-inflammatory), niacin B3 (blood pressure, cholesterol levels, carbohydrate metabolism and thyroid function). Carotene (linked to anti-cancer properties), antioxidants, increase white blood count (antimicrobial properties), fiber (digestion) and protein source Guava Psidium guajava bear fruit from 2-40 years, vit C, fiber, vit A (eyesight), vit B1, B2, B3 and pyridoxine B6 (increase blood flow and cognition), folate B9 (foetal development, antioxidant), calcuim (bone strength), phosphorus (bone formation), magnesium (core processes), iron (oxygenation), potassium (blood pressure), lycopene (antioxidant with anti-carcinogenic properties), palmitic acid (indicated in treating gastrointestinal problems)

12 Mango Mangifera indica A vitamin powerhouse 100g 46% vit C, 15% vit A, 7% B6 daily intake. Containing vit C, vit A (collagen, anti-cancer and eyesight), vit K (blood clotting), vit E (immunity), B1, B2, B3, pantothenic acid B5 (digestion), B6, B9, magnesium, copper (red blood cell formation and oxygenation), querctin (anti inflammatory), carotene, astragalin, potassium, selenium (immunity and cognition), iron, phosphorus, pectin (anti-cancer properties), terpenes, aldehydes and esters (improve digestive function). Pineapple Ananas comosus Potassium, copper, manganese (brain and nerve function) and calcium, vit C, carotene and vit A, B1, B6, B9, bromelain (antiinflammatory helps with arthritis), fiber

13 Pumelo (Citrus maxima) related to grapefruits, members of Citrus genus, 8 years to grow, native to Southeast Asia. Each fruit 600% daily vit C requirement, source of ascorbic acid. Good source of potassium and fiber Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) vine grown, vit C, calcuim, magnesium, fiber, potassium, vit B1, B3, carotenoids, lycopene (anti-cancer), lutein and zeaxanthin (eyesight)

14 Take Home Messages Clear benefits to green fruit for enhancing vitamin B and A levels, areas of nutritional concern in Myanmar Evidence for enhancement of physical and mental health from fruit consumption Major green fruits grown in Myanmar are rich in vitamins and minerals that are preventative to illness and disease Evidence suggests 7+ portions of fruit and veg see mental health benefits Green fruits offer an opportunity to improve the health of the national population and to alleviate the need for vitamin boosters

15 Take Home Messages Current initiatives are all steps in the right direction Need for continued public education e.g. extension of schemes at school level Green fruits need to be affordably and sustainably produced to ensure a continued supply at home level as well as supply for export for a green economy Market green Myanmar brand alongside and nutritional benefits of green fruits

16 Thank you