Nutirition Experts Present New Evidence that a Plant-Based Diet May Help Prevent Chronic Diseases

08/04/08 Nutrition scientists from the country's leading institutions, including University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), held a scientific symposium, "California Avocados: A Functional Food for Optimal Health," to discuss new evidence in support of the benefits of a plant-based diet, including findings about the bioactive compounds in California Hass avocados and their clinical significance.

The symposium provided healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians and doctors, new scientific evidence about how plant-based diets may help prevent chronic diseases, including heart disease, type II diabetes and obesity. The attendees also learned information about the State of California's strategies and programs to help encourage the consumption of more fruits and vegetables.

"The symposium provided insights into the unique health properties of California Hass avocados and the importance of consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruits," said Dr. David Heber, director, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. "California is considered the leader in public health nutrition initiatives. Promoting a healthy, plant-based diet needs to be on the top of the public health agenda."

Speakers from the symposium included:

- Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D., director, Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, who discussed "Nutrition Profiling: Do Low Food Prices Equal High Health Costs?"

- Susan Foerster, M.P.H., R.D., chief, Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section, California Department of Public Health, Network for a Healthy California, who presented "Fruits & Veggies - More Matters® and a Network for a Healthy California"

- David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., director, Center for Human Nutrition, UCLA, who presented "Bioactive Compounds in California Hass Avocados and Their Biological Significance"

- Francine Kaufman, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and Communications, Keck School of Medicine and the Annenberg School of Communications, The University of Southern California, who discussed "The Adolescent Diabesity Epidemic: Role of Fruits and Vegetables"

- Carl Keen, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Nutrition, University of California at Davis, who talked about "Phytonutrients in Plant-Based Foods and Their Role in Cardiovascular Health"

- Joan Sabate, M.D., Dr.P.H., professor and chair, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, who presented "Weight Management Issues and Research: Lessons From California Tree Nuts"

- Steven Schwartz, Ph.D., professor, Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, who discussed "Avocado and Fatty Acids Effects on Bioavailability of Carotenoids"

- Seleda Williams, M.D., M.P.H., public health medical officer, California Department of Health Care Services, who provided information about "The California Obesity Prevention Initiatives"

As part of the event, participants attended a cooking demonstration featuring the "Too Hot Tamales," Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, chefs/owners of Border Grill and Ciudad restaurants, who also developed the lunch menu.

The event was co-sponsored by UCLA and the California Avocado Commission.