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Functional Foods for Life Educational Program for Adults

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a functional food is one that has a "potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed on a regular basis and at certain levels."(AND, 2021) “Food with a function” continues to be of interest to American consumers as these foods are considered to be “foods with health benefits beyond basic nutrition.” (IFIC, 2017)

The curriculum Functional Foods for Life (FFL) was developed to meet this consumer need by providing evidence-based information on six specific functional foods that have research linking them to the potential prevention of specific chronic diseases. This programming is available for nutrition educators to provide to adults of all ages. Also available For Consumers (see tab above) are recorded webinars of the FFL programs for your viewing or sharing pleasure.

Please select a lesson below. You will be prompted to enter some demographic information before proceeding to your download.

A functional food is one that has a "potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed on a regular basis and at certain levels." (AND, 2021).

After each presentation, please take a moment to complete the anonymous Post/Pre Evaluation.

Berries and You: Perfect Together

Recent studies on berries have indicated possible benefits to health in decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as promoting gut health and healthy aging. There is a wide variety of compounds in berries that are being studied for these potential health benefits including anthocyanins, possibly the most abundant polyphenol found in berries. Click on the link below to listen and learn more about these health benefits and how berries can be part of your healthful diet.

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 32 minutes

Bringing Vegetables to the Table: A Celebration of the Harvest

Studies on vegetable types show that eating a variety of vegetables is not only good for you nutritionally, but may almost certainly provide a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and specific types of cancer. In addition to a review of health benefits, we will explore interesting facts and historical information about vegetables, as well as ways to store and prepare vegetables. As a nation, we are not doing too well when it comes to meeting vegetable recommendations. Discover if you and your family are meeting the guidelines, and, if not, creative ways to increase your vegetable intake.

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 50 minutes

Chocolate: Is it the New Health Food?

Research on chocolate and its possible health benefits have been studied worldwide for many years with the focus on flavonoids, a polyphenol found in cocoa and other plant foods. Yes! Chocolate, in its purest form, is a plant food. Click on the link below to listen and learn all about chocolate including more about how it can be part of your healthful diet.

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 60 minutes

Coffee: Should it be Your Mug of Choice?

Coffee has been studied extensively and up until recently was thought to have more risks than benefits to health. Current research indicates possible health benefits including a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes and liver disease. Join us to learn how it's really ok to have coffee as your mug of choice!

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 47 minutes

Focus on Fungi: Mushrooms and Their Health Benefits

Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. They are a low fat, low calorie food with an impressive nutritional profile. Many medicinal functions can be attributed to mushrooms including antioxidant and antiviral activities. Click on the link below to listen to learn about mushrooms and their possible health benefits.

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 29 minutes

Tea: Drink to Your Health!

Research on tea from the Camellia sinensis plant has included the study of a variety of polyphenol compounds including epigallocatechin 3- gallate (EGCG), theaflavins and thearubigins as well as other compounds found in tea. Epidemiological studies have indicated possible protective effects from tea consumption in specific chronic diseases. Click on the link below to listen and learn about the history, culture and these potential health benefits of tea.

Please take a moment to answer four quick questions found at the conclusion of the webinar to assist in the work that I do.

Presented by: Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN, FCHS Educator and Associate Professor, Warren County, NJ

Duration: 45 minutes



Note: For programming developed for nutrition educators, please visit the "For Educators" page (see tab above).