Articles Health and Fitness Technology Nanofoods: Future Health and Nutrition Implications
| Nanofoods: Future Health and Nutrition Implications |
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After drinking a multitude of cups containing coffee and several shots of espresso, I can across an article about Nanofoods. As nanotechnology is emerging as breakthrough scientific research, the media has picked it up and started spreading the word of the possible implications. Nanotech is now a mainstream scientific study with over 25 Billion dollars devoted to research and development this year ALONE. The term “nano” refers to particles 1 billionth of a meter (3.28 feet) or 1 millionth of a millimeter (25.4 millimeters to an inch). In reading on, I discovered the term nanofood refers not to foodstuffs manufactured on the molecular level, but to food that have “nanotechnology techniques or tools use during cultivation, production, processing or packaging the food,” as stated by Nanoforum, a group based in Europe. 
Arrangement of molecules in protein on a nanoscale In further reading I discovered there are already 180 applications that change a food to a nanofood. My personal belief backs the success of foods containing nanoceutical delivery systems or NDS. There are multiple types of NDS that will soon be incorporated into shelved goods at stores that include: Nanocapsules, nano-sized self-assembled liquid structures (NSSL), Nanocochleates, and nano-carriers. There are several products already available with these technologies. The implications are so vast that if I were to go in-depth on any one of them I would have to write a 300-page article. Since such is the case I will briefly describe some of the products with these technologies incorporated and suggest you read several of the articles that brought me to writing this particular article. Outlined below are several examples coming from the Nanoforum report: Nanotechnology in agriculture and food written in may of 2006. Since several years have passed expect many of these examples are in production today.  Nanocapsules – in a product from Australia, Tip-Top Up omega 3 fatty bread, nanocapsules are baked into the bread containing essential omega 3 fatty acids that are resistant to stomach acid yet digest through your gastrointestinal tract delivering omega 3 into the system. Nano-sized self-assembled liquid structures - NSSL was developed by an Israeli company called Nurtralease, they utilize the system to deliver nanonutraceuticals containing several nutrients like lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein and more. Shemen industries has successfully marketed the first product: Canola activa oil, a healthier version of canola oil. Nanocochleates – a nano-coiled particle that delivers other nutrients without effecting food color or taste. This technology was created by biodelivery systems international. Nano-carriers – German based company Aquanova developed a 30 nm sphere containing 2 fat reduction substances into a single carrier. The product is called NovaSOL and uses both nutrients to burn fat, and give the user a feeling of appetite satisfaction. Another great use for nanofood would be in packaging warning the consumer if the product contained within is ripe or safe to eat. Packaging can contain nanosensors to warn of enzymes produced in the breakdown of food molecules making them unsafe for human consumption. The packages could also be used to let air and other enzymes out but not in, thus increasing shelf life and the reduction of man-made preservatives in our foods. As I stated before, the implications are vast, even including reduction of pesticides and water used to grow plants. Farmers can produce better yielding crops using fewer chemicals, thus reducing ground pollution. Always raised however, is the ethics of man altering food and its preparation. Although I support science and the implications for the betterment of the human species, many will call it toying with nature and consider it an ethics issue. The technology could even be implemented to help reduce world hunger and malnutrition in places such as Africa and Southeast Asia. Here are the links to the articles for additional reading. Let us know what you think. Nanoforum ReportMSNBC Article
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  written by travisachapman, August 12, 2008
That was deep.... I am still waiting for the pil that turns into Thanksgiving dinner! Willy Wonka?
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 written by timcohen77, September 10, 2008
Here's my contribution to the human species...
Get a hold of some big pharmaceutical. Have them produce a multivitamin with antioxidant properties and appetite suppression while containing all the proteins, fiber, carbs, etc, that the body needs. Wrap it up in a time release capsule and watch the billions role in! (not to mention the population explosion that would rival a rabbit farm!) Oh, and did I forget, current technology would only allow us to produce a suppository!!! Nanotechnology here we come! report abuse
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 written by briancrist, September 11, 2008
The interesting part Tim,
Is all the old sci-fi writers of the 50-70s. Remember all the space stories where we will supposedly have paste tubes. Thats right, Nutrition paste! Just squeeze some out and you've got your aminos for the day. I'm down for it, I'd just rather have a miracle cream than suppository  Now all the rest of us would need is an invention that works out for us!
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 written by NYK007, March 22, 2010
Hi,
As we know that Health acquires topmost priority in today's fast paced lifestyles, the good supplement is always highly on demand. However, it is always advisable to buy your supplement from well-known brands. Thanks NYK Personal Checks report abuse
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written by NYK007, April 01, 2010
Hi,
Peter this side from Canada. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone. This blog really have valuable information for everyone. Thanks Peter Food Intolerance Systoms report abuse
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