title: Plant science and human nutrition: challenges in assessing health-promoting properties of phytochemicals.
abstract: The rise in noncommunicable chronic diseases associated with changing diet and lifestyles throughout the world is a major challenge for society. It is possible that certain dietary components within plants have roles both in reducing the incidence and progression of these diseases. We critically review the types of evidence used to support the health promoting activities of certain phytochemicals and plant-based foods and summarize the major contributions but also the limitations of epidemiological and observational studies and research with the use of cell and animal models. We stress the need for human intervention studies to provide high-quality evidence for health benefits of dietary components derived from plants.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR47UA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Maria H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Traka
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Mithen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004032:Diet; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010945:Plants, Edible / Q000737:chemistry*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011794:Quercetin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D011794:Quercetin