Major Research Programs

within the Institute of Food Science and Engineering

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Functional Foods

Spinach, blueberries, grapes, and rice

Arkansas produces many foods, such as spinach, blueberries, red grapes, and rice, that have received attention because of their phytonutrient content. The Functional Foods Program's mission is to conduct research on existing and novel foods that provide both required nutrients and the biologically important phytonutrients.

Research in this program focuses on:

Identification and evaluation of phytonutrients present in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes grown in Arkansas and in the South;

Enhancements of phytonutrient content through advanced breeding techniques;

Development of new value-added functional foods with elevated levels of health-promoting compounds;

Identifying ways to motivate people to include generous amounts of these foods in their daily diets.