Kansas Ag News Headlines Grain Nutrition Focus of First Centennial Lecture Kansas Ag Connection - 02/09/2010 Kansas State University's Department of Grain Science and Industry will kick off its Centennial Celebration Lecture Series with a renowned expert in grain foods and nutrition on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Hale Library Hemisphere Room. Grains of Truth: Separating Grain Nutrition Myths & Facts" will be the focus for speaker Julie Miller Jones, nutrition science advisor to government, the food industry and the International Life Sciences Institute. Research has associated grains -- particularly whole grains and the cereal fiber they contain -- with the reduction of such chronic diseases as obesity, coronary disease, diabetes and certain kinds of cancers, Jones said. Yet, grains and whole grains are eschewed by some consumers for a variety of reasons," she added. "The reasons can include allergies and gluten intolerance, an avoidance of refined or wheat products, concerns about such componentsas high fructose corn syrup, adherence to such regimens as low carbohydrate or Paleolithic diets, or the simple omission of breakfast." The nutritionist will address those concerns, as well as the health-promoting aspects of grains and whole grains. Jones has received the highest honors bestowed by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, while also serving as a judge for the annual James Beard awards, which recognize the best U.S. chefs, restaurants and cookbooks. During her 35-year career at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn., she won repeated teaching awards, plus became known as a leading advocate for public health education and for women in the sciences and technology. More information about the Centennial Celebration Lecture Series, its upcoming speakers and the department's 100-year history is available on the Web at www.grains.ksu.edu/centennial. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.