DA promotes food crops for health and wellness

The Department of Agriculture is promoting the so-called “nutraceuticals” and “cosmeceuticals” derived from food crops now being considered as the latest trend in health and wellness.

Dr. Evelyn B. Rodriguez of the Institute of Chemistry, at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),  said Nutraceuticals are food substances or part of a food that provide medical or health benefits including the prevention and treatment of diseases.

On the other hand, cosmeceuticals are intended to enhance beauty.

Rodriguez cited as examples fruits which can be used to exfoliate and improve circulation; chamomile flower which is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and calms irritated skin; green tea and vegetables which are also anti-oxidants; tamarind which is for immuno-stimulation and coconut which moisturize, repairs rough and dry skin, and  heals wounds.

She recently presented her research during the opening ceremony of the 19th National Research Symposium (NRS) at the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

One of the studies she conducted showed that rice bran and rice bran oil are among the most important sources of functional components of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Although rice bran has been propagated worldwide, this is underutilized and poorly used for human consumption.

Rice bran and rice bran oil contain –oryzanol, which is claimed to prevent bone loss, serves as antioxidant, and promotes skin capillary circulation.

It also contains phytic acid, myo-inositol which has anti-cancer, antioxidant properties for blood regulation and stimulation regeneration of the liver cell, and management of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Furthermore, yellow flower from squash is said to be rich in lutein.

Lutein is a substance that helps maintain good eyesight and functions to filter high energy blue light which lowers the risk for cataract development and prevent muscular degeneration, the principal cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly.