Plants For Human Health Institute

Broccoli and blueberries are already tagged “super foods,” meaning they are more nutritious than most other fruits and vegetables. Yet, scientists with N.C. State’s Plants for Human Health Institute are finding ways to boost their benefits.

PHHI director Dr. Mary Ann Lila researches the bioactive compounds found in plant foods like fruits and vegetables that are healthy for people to eat. Take a sneak peak into the “LilaLab” and the questions and goals that drive the research and continue to enhance human health.

Dr. Jeremy Pattison, strawberry breeder with the Plants for Human Health Institute, has teamed up with local high schools and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Piedmont Research Station. They are using agricultural research to bring science and math concepts alive in a new effort that they hope serves as a model for schools across the state and nation.

Representatives from N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute and Johnson & Wales University discuss the N.C. Strawberry Project, sponsored by the Golden LEAF Foundation. The institutions have developed a dynamic, first-of-its-kind partnership that will help breed a better N.C. strawberry.

The Produce Lady (Brenda Sutton) interviews Dr. Mary Ann Lila (left), director of the Plants for Human Health Institute, and Dr. Allan Brown, applied molecular geneticist with the Institute, about blueberry and broccoli research, respectively. Learn about cutting-edge research that contributes toward advances in human health.

Watch a video outlining how Dr. Allan Brown is leading a team that is sequencing the blueberry genome. The work is a major step toward understanding the genetic information of the blueberry and is expected to yield new discoveries in both medical and agricultural research.

Watch as representatives from N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute and Johnson & Wales University discuss the N.C. Strawberry Project. The institutions have developed a dynamic, first-of-its-kind partnership that will help breed a better N.C. strawberry.

Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie discusses research that is under way to develop a rating system for the firmness of blackberries and raspberries. When finalized, this system will help growers determine what variety of blackberry or raspberry is best suited for their operation.

This slide show from The Produce Lady includes photos and tips to help you incorporate more nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables into children’s diets. A PDF version is available for use in presentations, handing out at markets or other needs.

The Produce Lady’s new monthly e-newsletter encourages N.C. families to eat healthy fruits and vegetables purchased at local farmers markets. Each issue will focus on a seasonal crop and will assist consumers with selection and preparation tips. The newsletter is also an educational tool that growers and agents can share with clientele.