A utopian goal for most societies is that their citizens live long in health and peace, and that their children enjoy the same prospects. The achievement of such an idyllic existence depends on many factors, not the least of which is a well-crafted food supply.
Demographic data and other studies point to the importance of whole foods--grains, fruits, vegetables and judicious protein choices--to help avoid the ravages of cardiovascular disease, cancer and a multitude of other illnesses that plague mankind. However, convenience, taste and even economics lead consumers to choose diets of prepared foods, enhanced with supplements, to meet their dietary and medicinal needs. In response, researchers strive to identify individual healthful compounds that can be added to diets, and companies work to identify compounds--backed by sound science--that will attract customers.