Antioxidants remain a ‘hot’ topic attracting much attention

Director: Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), Prof Jeanine Marnewick, a guest speaker at the Cape Branch seminar series of the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) at Bellville Campus, said diet plays an important role in disease prevention, and antioxidants form an important part of "our diet".

Marnewick, who is also a Research chair: Biotechnology at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute, presented an update on this, as a follow-up from her first talk she did in 2014. "Antioxidants remain a 'hot' and relevant topic attracting much attention." The title of her talk was: Dietary antioxidants: do we really need them: an update and Rooibos perspective, as this indigenous herbal tea contains unique antioxidants and contributes significantly to our daily antioxidant intake,' she says.

Marnewick, a NRF rated scientist, has been in the field of medicinal plant research for more than 25 years. Her focus is on innovative prevention strategies using medicinal plants and phytochemicals aimed at non-communicable diseases, with a focus on cardiometabolic disease and cancer. Elucidating bio-activities of and substantiating health claims around the South African herbal teas, Rooibos and Honeybush and the fact that the prevalence of cancer and heart disease (both involving oxidative stress) in South Africa is increasing, stimulated her research.

The studies she and her team have conducted resulted not only in the first scientific evidence on the chemopreventive properties of Rooibos and honeybush, but also on the first clinical evidence on Rooibos and the promotion of heart health. She is the winner of the NSTF/South 32 Awards 2020 in the Category Science Communication, for leading a team that promotes rooibos as a health promoting option, supported by science.

"From all the scientific evidence thus far, it is clear that dietary antioxidants could play an important role in promoting human health, thus enjoy your daily cuppa Rooibos."

Lecturer & Curriculum officer: Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST), Dr Vusi Mshayisa, who is also a member of the Cape branch committee, played a critical role in ensuring the event's success by bringing together DFST, SAAFoST and Agrifoods Technology Station (ATS). Mshayisa said the event was the first hybrid meeting of this nature. "At DFST, we are committed to fostering industry partnerships to enrich our student's learning experiences through engagement with professionals in the field."

The event started with a warm welcome address by Dr George Charimba, DFST acting head of department, who underscored the significance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. Meanwhile Ndumiso Mshicileli, Manager from Agrifoods Technology Station (ATS), "our generous sponsor", shared insights into the station's pivotal projects and their future aspirations.

Mshayisa added that he was impressed by the captivating presentation by Marnewick on dietary antioxidants. "Her expertise sparked engaging discussions among the attendees, providing valuable insights into the subject matter. Overall, the event was a success, and we hope to have more events of this nature in the future."