Many health benefits, particularly with regards to chronic disease such as heart attack and cancer,  have been attributed to increased intake of plant-based foods. However the mechanisms by which such products could exert their beneficial effects are not fully understood. Such foods, in addition to traditional nutrients, contains significant amounts of various phytochemicals which could impact of the consumer’s heath. The conference will explore the links between phytochemicals and chronic health impairments, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and obesity. Lessons from animal nutrition, ways of modulating phytochemical intake and public health perspectives will also be presented and discussed.