Researcher focuses on pros, cons of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables

COLLEGE STATION – Nutrition: It's not just the four basic food groups any more.
Researcher Dr. Susanne Mertens-Talcott of Texas A&M University is looking into how plant-based phytochemicals, including antioxidants and herbal supplements, can be useful in the promotion of health and prevention of chronic diseases.
This field is still growing. In the U.S. more than $20 billion was spent on dietary supplements in 2005, said Talcott, who is in a joint research and teaching position with the department of nutrition and food science and the department of veterinary physiology and pharmacology.
"Over $7 billion was spent on herbal dietary supplements in 2005." These supplements are plant-based, including grape seed extract, St. John's wort, ginseng and biloba extract, she added.
"In addition to that there is the segment of so-called 'functional foods,' including antioxidant foods – for example, fruit juices and beverages and grain-based products," Talcott said.