Human Health Benefits of Plant Bioactive Compounds

This volume explores the role of functional foods and their bioactive compounds in promoting human health, detailing their therapeutic potential, pharmacological aspects, and benefits of various plants and natural products.

Human Health Benefits of Plant Bioactive Compounds explores the crucial role of functional foods and their secondary metabolites in promoting human health. This volume presents a wealth of scientific evidence and insights regarding the therapeutic potential of various plants and their bioactive compounds. The authors highlight that these natural products, which include ingredients like black carrot, olive oil, citrus peel, grapes, and different types of tea, can be effective in treating various diseases while often exhibiting fewer side effects than conventional medications.

The book is organized into four distinct sections, each addressing different aspects of functional foods and their health benefits. The first section delves into the sources and biochemical properties of functional foods, emphasizing their antioxidant activities and overall biological effects. The second section focuses on the pharmacological aspects of fruits and vegetables, discussing the extraction of bioactive molecules and the phytochemistry of selected plants.

Subsequent sections examine the pharmacological properties of natural products, including the bioactivity of specific compounds like anthocyanin and piceatannol, as well as the medicinal uses of green and black tea. The final section addresses the health benefits associated with cereals and grains, highlighting the therapeutic potential of flaxseed and wheatgrass juice as supplements for disease management. Overall, this volume serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the significance of plant bioactive compounds in enhancing human health.