The Role of Secondary Metabolites: A Nutritional Guide for the American Adult

Antioxidants have long been known to have positive effects on human health. Polyphenols are the most bountiful type of antioxidant in the human diet (Williamson, 2016). Polyphenols are found in a variety of plant foods, and the consumption of these foods has been shown to have a positive impact on eliminating oxidative stress in the body (Fraga et al., 2019). Additionally, the consumption of polyphenols has been researched to act as chemoprotective agents against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases (Pott et al., 2019). In addition to a healthy well balanced diet, polyphenols are a low cost way to increase the health of the general public. This thesis paper is a manuscript of the multifaceted project centered around research and communication of a healthy diet for the American adult, with a spotlight of the health benefit of polyphenol and what food sources are quality sources of this secondary metabolite. The first stage of this project involved active laboratory research, where the concentration of various fruit juices and supplements were tested and compared. Secondly, a literature review was conducted to investigate the most evidenced based dietary pattern that supports health and longevity. Thirdly, the laboratory research and the literary review was translated into a website meant for the general public. The text of this website can be found in this manuscript, as all other components including sources and references.