Nutrition

Biography

Dr. Banz's specialization is in Nutrition Physiology, focusing primarily on the relationship amongst the bioactive components of functional foods, health and gene-nutrient interaction. Much of his research is concentrated on the health of soybeans, soybean phytochemicals and synthetic estrogens ranging across a wide spectrum of topics, from basic mechanistic research to applied human studies. Dr. Banz teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Research Interest

Treatment and prevention of obesity and its associated syndromes (metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and heart disease). Demonstrated unique anti-diabetic effects of numerous plant extracts (e.g., soybean, milk, flaxseed and ginseng extracts) and synthetic compounds. In preclinical rat models, some of the compounds tested have exhibited efficacy in controlling specific diabetic parameters and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Performing further laboratory and preclinical tests to help determine the efficacy of the most promising plant extracts and synthetic compounds identified.