Learn science behind food
World-leading academics to speak at USQ
A GROUP of world-leaders in food science, nutrition and health will soon converge in a region that has some of the worst chronic disease figures in Australia.
USQ’s 3rd Annual Functional Foods and Supplements Symposium will bring together a host of international and national researchers in Toowoomba to discuss and present the latest innovations around foods with health benefits, known as functional foods, and supplements.
Toowoomba has one of the highest rates of obesity in the state, while the Darling Downs and West Moreton has the highest rate of physical inactivity in the country.
USQ Senior Research Fellow (Health and Wellbeing) and event organiser, Dr Sunil Panchal, said it was crucial, particularly in regional areas such as Toowoomba, for continued research to promote health and reduce chronic disease.
“Toowoomba and its surrounding regions have worrying health statistics but also have a long and proud history as a food bowl, with a wide variety of grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables grown and processed in the region,” he said.
“Functional foods have been found to help promote healthy ageing and decrease the impact of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, which can have such a big impact on people’s quality of life as they age.
“As such, this is really important research for the people in our region and an area that USQ researchers continue to focus their efforts.
“The symposium not only gives us the chance to share some of this work with the community but also bring together some of the world’s leading researchers in health and wellbeing to a regional centre to discuss challenges and future opportunities.”
Attendees will hear from a range of speakers discuss a variety of topics, including the links between diet and mental health, implementing a Mediterranean-style diet in regional Australia and nutrients to boost mood and memory.
The symposium is being held on Monday as part of Resilient Regions Week at USQ’s Toowoomba campus.