“Synergistic Interaction of Food Biomolecules in the Diet and its

Effect on Human Health”

Nitin DesaiSaoirse, LLCConsultantsFlorida, USA

Turmeric and Pepper Synergy

• Turmeric contains curcumin - anti-cancer• Pepper contains piperine - Aruveda anti- inflammatory anti- bacterial• Equal amounts of turmeric and pepper results in enhanced

absorption of curcumin in the blood stream• Sambar in South India uses equal amounts of turmeric and pepper in

the recipe

Graph of curcumin and piperine interaction

Salad and Egg Combination

• Salad (Lettuce, carrots etc.) =carotenoids • Egg contains Fat• A cooked/boiled egg with salad helps in the uptake of carotenoids • Solubility of carotenoids in oil/fat• An egg is recommended instead of oil to keep calories down• Olive oil/sesame oil + Vinegar dressing

Green Tea and Lemon

• Green tea (catechins) + Lemon (Citric acid and Vitamin C) • Better preservation of catechins at low pH• Acid reduces astringency• Green tea+lemon=preserve catechins

Broccoli and Tomatoes

• Tomato (Lycopene)+Broccoli (Glucosinolates) = Complementary anti-cancer chemicals• Tomatoes +broccoli=Stronger anti-cancer properties• Tomatoes are cooked in oil more available lycopene

Spinach and Orange

• Spinach contains iron• Absorption of iron may be limited due to oxalates, phytates• Orange juice = acids and vitamin C better absorption of iron

Hamburger and Avocado

• Burger +avocado =less inflammation• Burger (mutagens are produced during grilling) + Avocado (fatty acids

and anti-oxidants) = Neutralize mutagens• Less/Reduced inflammation

Not all interactions are good…• Pregnant and Nursing mothers need Iron in diet / take Iron

supplements• Should not drink tea for couple of hours• Components in tea (catechins) effect iron adsorption

High-fructose Diet Can Damage Brain Genes

• High fructose can alter or damage genes / networks in brain• Omega 3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) seems to reverse

thehandful of nuts a day harmful changes produced by fructose • DHA can be found in fish, fish oil, nuts, fruits and vegetables• A handful of nuts a day …………

Conclusions• Food Scientist/Technologist – better formulation/design of healthy

food• Cooking at home or like to cook you have information for developing

recipes for healthy foods• Eating healthy food everyday is better than taking pills or capsules• Nutraceuticals