CRI听力:Phytochemicals' Role in Human Health in Focus

The study of phytonutrients' role in the prevention of chronic diseases is very active in China.

Attending the 2nd China and South Korea Joint International Phytonutrient Symposium on Friday, Prof. Yang Yuexin, a nutrition expert at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explains the achievements made by Chinese scientists in this field.

"We conducted a lot of research. For example, Quercetin plays a certain role in antioxidant protection and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, as well as anthocyanin's function in antioxidant protection. Progress has been made in the research of these phytonutrients."

It has been shown through a number of surveys that phytonutrients in vegetables and fruits play a crucial role in tumor reduction and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Keith Randolph, an American scientist with Nutrilite Health Institute, believes the discovery of phytonutrients is as significant as the discovery of antibiotics.

He explains some of the added benefits of phytonutrients in reference to the processes involved in anti-ageing.

"We also understand now that there are specific phytonutrients that can engage with your body's own antioxidant protective mechanisms, much like how a lock and key kind of fit."

The symposium drew over 200 food experts from South Korea, China, Japan and Canada. In addition, students majoring in nutrition also attended the event.

Zhou Jinwei, a postgraduate who studies the science of nutrition and food safety in Hunan Agricultural University, said that his personal knowledge wasn't advanced much but that international experts seem to be moving forward in their study of phytochemicals.

"Our scientists study phytochemical's impact on human health via an assessment on the physiological index. I feel that international scholars carried out a deeper level of research that enables them to explain a certain type of phytochemical health benefits from the perspective of molecular mechanisms."

Prof. Yang Yuexin said that Chinese scientists have been focusing on more than 20 phytochemicals and are on their way to making criteria for the level of proper intake. Their work would place China at a leading position in the world.

She added that more work should be done to ensure that their research will truly bring benefits to consumers.

"The general public are still unaware of the level of phytochemicals they should take to keep healthy. Also, we, as scientists, should work hard to gain broad knowledge on the essence of phytochemicals, which vary remarkably. It is also a process for general consumers to learn about phytochemicals, and only when they understand what their food is can they stay healthy."

For CRI, I'm XYee.