Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds, primarily isoflavonoids and lignans that can mimic the natural hormone estrogen and are thought to protect against hormone dependent cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and the effects of the menopause. The major dietary source of isoflavones is soya,
Mission: positive identification of chemicals beneficial to health
There is a huge amount of interest in the prevention of disease through modification of our diet, which has led to the now burgeoning market in dietary supplements and functional foods.
Many food companies are now emphasising positive health benefits when marketing their products and there is much advice given to the general public about what to eat to prevent heart disease, cancer, etc. by the media. Many of these apparent health effects are attributed to individual chemicals produced in fruits and vegetables.
Glucosinolates are present in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and sprouts. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest their metabolites are active in a preventative role against colorectal cancer.
However, although the industry is prospering there is still a lack of rigorous scientific evidence for many of the beneficial effects of chemicals present in the diet.
Our objective is to provide simple to use standards that can give a precise measurement of the active ingredients in foods. Our standards are ideal also for identification of the presence of undesirable food chemicals. We wish to provide the ability to positively regulate health claims of food manufacturers and allow consumers access to foods with proven beneficial components.
