Nutrition is a topic of wide interest and importance. In spite of growing understanding of the underlying biochemistry, and health campaigns such as 'five-a-day', increasing obesity and reported food allergies and eating disorders, as well as the widely advertised 'supposed' benefits of food supplements mean that a clear explanation of the basic principles of a healthy diet are vital. In this Very Short Introduction, David Bender explains the basic elements of food, the balance between energy intake and exercise, the problems of over- and under-nutrition, and raises the question of safety of nutritional supplements. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This book focuses on the usage and application of plant- and animal-based food products with significant functional properties and health benefits as well as their development into processed food. Many chapters in this book contain overviews on superfood and functional food from South America. Details on the functional properties of apiculture products are also included herein. Additionally, an area that is not widely discussed in academia - pet food with functional properties - is also covered. It is hoped that this book will serve as a source of knowledge and information to make better choices in food consumption and alterations to dietary patterns. It is also recommended for readers to take a look at a related book, Superfood and Functional Food - The Development of Superfoods and Their Roles as Medicine.

Superfoods and functional foods are receiving increasing attention because of their important roles in health. This book focuses on the production of superfoods and functional foods and their role as medicine. In the early chapters, prominent researchers introduce the roles and production of microalgae and functional fruits through metabolic engineering, the use of food waste, and effective cooking procedures. In the latter chapters, other prominent researchers introduce the medical effects of polyphenols, glutamine, and unsaturated fatty acids, which are contained in superfoods and functional foods. They suggest the importance of superfoods and functional foods in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. It is also recommended for readers to take a look at a related book, Superfood and Functional Food: An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization.

In this lively, illustrated overview, well-known raw-foods guru Wolfe profiles delicious and incredibly nutritious superfoods--vibrant, nutritionally dense foods that offer tremendous dietary and healing potential.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing A comprehensive review of algae as novel and sustainable sources of algal ingredients, their extraction and processing This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues surrounding the consumption, economics, composition, processing and health effects of algae. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book explores the application of conventional and emerging technologies for algal processing. The book includes recent developments such as drying and milling technologies along with advancements in sustainable greener techniques. The text also highlights individual groups of compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids and fibres from algae. The authors provide insightful reviews of the traditional and more recent applications of algae/algal extracts in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. Offering a holistic view of the various applications, the book looks at the economic feasibility, market trends and considerations, and health hazards associated with algae for industrial applications. This important book: Provides a comprehensive overview of algal biomolecules and the role of emerging processing technologies Explores the potential biological and health benefits of algae and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products Includes a current review of algal bioactives and processing technologies for food and ingredient manufacturers Contains contributions from leading academic and industrial experts Written for food scientists, allied researchers and professional food technologists, Recent Advances in Micro- and Macroalgal Processing: Food and Health Perspectives offers a guide to the novel processing and extraction techniques for exploring and harnessing the immense potential of algae.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), which are widely distributed in Northwestern China, Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean areas, have traditionally been employed in Chinese medicine from ancient times. Goji berries, also known as wolfberry, have become increasingly popular in the Western world because of their nutritional properties, often advertised as a superfood in Europe and North America. With the development of analysis methods, various chemical constituents have been identified, including carbohydrates, carotenoids, flavonoids, betaine, cerebroside, -sitosterol, amino acids, trace elements, vitamins and other constituents. Polysaccharides have been identified as one of the major active ingredients responsible for biological activities. Phytochemicals in Goji Berries: Applications in Functional Foods, a volume in the Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Series, provides information about the chemical, biochemical, botanic properties, bioactive components and health benefits of Goji berries. It also discusses postharvest storage technology, processing technology, and the development and utilization of Goji berry by-products in medicinal foods and functional foods, as well as addressing food safety issues. Features: Provide information on Goji fruit origin and growing conditions, distribution, and biochemical properties Discusses such medicinal properties and health benefits of Goji berries as the capacity to lower blood pressure, treat anemia, maintain cholesterol levels in the normal range and decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Goji berries have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, among others Includes information on traditional products, new products and innovative processing technologies This book will serve college and university students majoring in food science, nutrition, pharmaceutical science, and botanical science. It also will serve as a unique reference for food science professionals pursuing functional foods, marketing expansion, as well as nutritional dietary management. Readers will obtain sound scientific knowledge of the nutritional value and health benefits of the different Goji berry products such as juice, cake, soup, snacks, and medicinal foods. Also available in the Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals series: Korean Functional Foods: Composition, Processing and Health Benefits, edited by Kun-Young Park, Dae Young Kwon, Ki Won Lee, Sunmin Park (ISBN 978-1-4987-9965-2) Phytochemicals in Citrus: Applications in Functional Foods, edited by Xingqian Ye (ISBN 978-1-4987-4272-6) Food as Medicine: Functional Food Plants of Africa, by Maurice M. Iwu (ISBN 978-1-4987-0609-4) For a complete list of books in the series, please visit our website at https://www.crcpress.com/Functional-Foods-and-Nutraceuticals/book-series/CRCFUNFOONUT

Quinoa and chia are recognized among consumers worldwide due to the wide variety of nutrients each crop provides for healthy living. These cereal crops contain bioactive compounds, are gluten-free proteins, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Both quinoa and chia are extraordinarily adaptable to various agroecological zones and highly suited to climate change and harsh environments. Quinoa is expanding in underdeveloped countries as a superfood and its cultivation is spreading rapidly due to high global demand. Chia processing results in coproducts including noncommercial grains, partially deoiled flour, and rich fiber fraction allowing the crop to be reincorporated into the food chain. This book presents scientific, beneficial information on various aspects of chia and quinoa development. It discusses processing methods in quinoa and chia, their functional properties, and features analytical profiles of both crops. Information on quinoa and chia seeds for antioxidant properties and uses as superfoods is featured and effects of processing on nutritional properties, quinoa products, and chia seed products and recipes are included. Written for agribusiness planners, policy makers, researchers, industrialists, and farmers interested in cereal crops, this book boosts quinoa and chia production, addresses food and health security problems, increases farm outputs, and promotes food industries.