The aim of IFR’s Food and Health research is to improve our understanding of how bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods, as well as the structure of food itself, may maintain health or prevent disease. Our research aims to generate the very best evidence of how bioactives work and affect processes in the human body, to ultimately improve nutritional and functional properties of foods, diets and crops to benefit public health.
The physical structure of foods is complex and changes during digestion, altering how nutrients and bioactive components are delivered to the body. We want to understand more about how the physical structure of foods at the molecular level affects how it interacts inside our bodies and how this impacts on health.
To maximise the impact of the fundamental knowledge gained from these studies, we will work with food manufacturing companies to develop new foods, ingredients or crops with enhanced nutritional value. Our studies will also provide the best quality evidence for policy makers and government providing diet and health advice aimed at improving the overall health of the nation.