Medicinal foods Part 3: Inflammatory based diseases. Presented by Dr Evangeline Mantzioris, BSc, BND
For centuries the medicinal compounds found in food have been for treating illness (eg. Biguanide originally from Galega officinalis is known as Metformin). More recently there is research to back up how effective these compounds are. Evangeline has examined the research to date and provides a summary of which compounds we should be considering in use with our clients.
In her introduction Evangeline explains the regulation and risks involved with the use of nutraceuticals. She also emphasises that whole foods and the clients overall dietary pattern should be our first line management.
In the final of her three-part series on nutraceuticals Evangeline examines their effect on inflammatory based diseases.
Evangeline provides a review of essential fatty acid structure, synthesis and biological importance. She goes on to describe how essential fatty acids act to reduce inflammation.
Below is a summary of the medicinal food compounds Evangeline evaluates for particular inflammatory conditions.
For rheumatoid arthritis:
Fish oil and curcumin
For osteoarthritis:
Fish oil, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, Boswellia
For ulcerative colitis:
N-3 oils, curcumin
A summary of the evidence for curcumin in the treatment of skin conditions psoriasis, radiation dermatitis in breast cancer, pruritis and vitiligo
For asthma:
Vitamin D, fish oil and magnesium
Finally Evangeline considers the evidence to date on the therapeutic use of mint and celery.
Dr Evangeline Mantzioris BSc BND PhD APD AccSD
Evangeline is the Program Director of the Nutrition and Food Sciences Degree at the University of South Australia. She is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and Sports Dietitian (AccSD) and has experience in clinical dietetics and clinical teaching at major Adelaide teaching hospitals and in private practice.
Evangeline is passionate about communicating nutritional science to the public and has been invited to talk at WOMADelaide, Australian Society for Medical Research Public Dinner, Raising the Bar and Tasting Australia. She is an author of a sports nutrition textbook ‘Nutrition for Sport, Exercise and Performance’ and contributor to The Conversation. Evangeline's research interests include: nutraceuticals including omega-3 fatty acids; Mediterranean Diet, Sports Nutrition and the environment-food nexus.
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