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Food technology

Nutrition

Nutritionally modified foods

In the option strand, Contemporary food issues - Nutrition, you will study nutritionally modified foods.

Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus outcome:
H2.1 The student evaluates the relationship between food, its production, consumption, promotion and health.

Source: Board of Studies NSW, Stage 6 Food Technology Syllabus, Preliminary and HSC Courses (1999)

Healthwise

Uncle Tobys has developed two new breakfast cereals:

Healthwise ™ for improved heart health

Healthwise ™ for improved bowel and digestive health

Functional foods are a key area of product development for food companies. Food companies are targeting diseases in the community that can be improved by modifying diet. Heart disease accounts for 41% of all deaths, according to the Heart Research Institute. Bowel and colorectal cancer are also significant causes of death in the community. Bowel cancer is second only to lung cancer for men and breast cancer for women as a cause of death.

Consumer reasearch found that consumers are concerned about their health and try to make wise decisions about their food intake. As a result of scientific and consumer research the Healthwise TM range of breakfast cereals was developed. 

 Healthwise TM for improved heart health

Although there are a number of nutrients in Healthwise TM for improved heart health, one of the most significant ingredients is Oat Gold TM, a natural, oat nutrient concentrate. Oat Gold TM or Beta-glucan can significantly lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor for people with heart disease. Beta-glucan is obtained using a patented milling process developed by Uncle Tobys. 

 Healthwise TM for improved bowel and digestive health

"Hi-Maize TM is a concentrated form of resistant starch that has been identified as vital to improved bowel and digestive health, protecting against the risk of bowel cancer."

"The amount of resistant starch in one cup of Healthwise TM doubles the amount of resistant starch most Australians consume in a day." Food Australia, Vol 52, No 1, January/February (2000), page 14.

Healthwise TM contains three different types of dietary starch. The table below summarises the benefits of each type of starch to the human body.

Insoluble fibre	helps regularity helps remove toxins from the body
Soluble fibre	slows digestion in the small intestine which results in: improved satiety  improved absorption of nutrients
Resistant starch	resists digestion in the small intestine and arrives at the large bowel to: encourage growth of 'good' bacteria  produce butyrate which helps keep bowel walls healthy  increase bulk of stools  discourage growth of pathogenic bacteria

 Activity

1. Visit the supermarket and look for the Uncle Tobys Healthwise TM range of breakfast cereals. 
   
   Think about the positioning of the product on the shelves. 
   Is there any additional advertising in the store?
   Is it positioned with other Uncle Tobys products?
   Are there similar products from other companies?
   How does the cost compare with that of other breakfast cereals?
2. Below is an excerpt from the nutrient label for Healthwise TM for improved heart health. Compare this information with the label on a packet of breakfast cereal you have at home. What are the main differences?
   
   NUTRITION INFORMATION
   Servings per package: 10
   Serving size: 45 g
   

* Recommended Dietary Intake (Aust.NZ)

** 25% of the recommended daily folate intake for women of child bearing age.

3. Explain why cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
4. Fibre is an active non-nutrient. Explain the role of fibre in the diet.

Answers