Healthy meals and prevention of lifestyle diseases

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The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and represents one of the world's greatest health problems. The prevalence in the Norwegian population has reached about 30%. Chronic inflammation is a major feature of lifestyle diseases, and the immune system is a key player in the regulation of the inflammatory process. Immune response and metabolic regulation are highly integrated and the proper function of each depends on the other. The present proj ect aims to provide a better understanding of the interplay between the diet, the digestive- and immune systems, and their involvements in low-grade inflammation associated with the metabolic syndrome. The project will also study the role of the digestive system in weight control. The project focus will be on raw materials rich in the bioactive components fibre, polyphenols, proteins and unsaturated fat. The behaviour of these components will be studied during food processing and their bioactivity investi gated by the use of in vitro digestion systems, cell-lines and animal models. The impact of complete meals and possible interactions between bioactive components will be investigated. New knowledge about how critical processing factors influence the bioac tivity of bioactive components is expected. A reference group including representatives from the food industry will be established in order to promote the development of healthy and attractive foods and meals with bioactive components well preserved.