In addition, Japanese children eat more soybean products, specifically tofu. Phytoestrogens are substances that seem to act like hormones in the body due to their similarity to human hormones. The study raises many questions for future research. The researchers are based at the Menzies Centre, Tokyo Medical College and Tulane University in New Orleans. This article looks at the idea of making more healthful produce through classiscal breeding or genetic engineering and the increase in attention these products are getting.
Studies suggest beta carotene can protect against cancer and heart disease.
The article goes on to describe an orange-fleshed cucumber which has levels of Vitamin A equivalent to a cantaloupe but still tastes like a cucumber and is produced by University of Wisconsin researchers. The orange cuke will be in seed catalogs and specialty supermarkets in two years. The article notes that he has been cultivating onions full of chemicals that inhibit the kinds of blood clots that precipitate strokes and beets with elevated amounts of folic acid. The article goes on to say that industry leaders such as Monsanto, Archer Daniels Midland, Gerber Products, and Kraft Foods are funding much of this research. Mark D. Stowers, vice-president for worldwide marketing at Seminis Vegetable Seeds Inc. in Saticoy, Calif., says he expects the nutritional content of vegetables to become a primary consideration for consumers within the next 10 years and in response, his company is also producing improved vegetables.