As populations in many developed countries age and the burden of chronic disease increases, there is an increasing focus on preventative measures. This has resulted in a wealth of ongoing research on optimising the nutraceutical properties of key foods such as fruit and vegetables. Understanding and optimising the nutraceutical properties of fruit and vegetables reviews the key research on phytochemicals, their health benefits and their role in the prevention of serious diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The collection explores the nutraceutical properties of phytochemical compounds in fruit and vegetables, such as antioxidants, flavonoids and glucosinolates and how these can be optimised to enhance human health through improved nutrition.

This collection reviews research on phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables, their health benefits and ways these benefits can be optimised to improve human health.

This book covers the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles of a wide range of popularly consumed vegetables and nuts. The first half of the book focuses on popular vegetables, and describes how higher vegetable consumption reduces the risk of diseases ranging from diabetes to osteoporosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer. The book also includes an interesting section on the antioxidant potential of mushrooms. In turn, the second half discusses the nutritional value of various nuts. Nuts are nutrient-dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fats, high-quality protein, fiber, minerals, tocopherols, phytosterols and phenolics. The respective chapters illustrate how the consumption of nuts could ward off chronic diseases like hypertension, cancer, inflammation, oxidative stress, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease etc. In order to effectively promote vegetable and nut consumption, it is necessary to know and understand the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles of vegetables & nuts. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to students, researchers, food scientists, olericulturists, dietitians and agricultural scientists alike. Those working in the vegetable and nut processing industries, horticultural departments and other agricultural departments will also find the comprehensive information relevant to their work.

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods is a component of Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The present series on “Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods” focuses on the health-promoting properties of fruits and their active components involved in the prevention of chronic diseases. A world-class group of academic researchers and scientists wrote these chapters to provide state-of-the-art reviews. The nine chapters in this book provide an integrated picture of the health beneficial properties of functional foods. Chapters 1-3 address the health benefits of commonly consumed beverages such as tea, coffee, and fruit juices. Chapters 4-8 deal with the nutraceutical properties of major and highly consumed fruits, including pomegranates, citrus, grapes, kiwifruits, annona, and berries. In addition, these chapters discuss consumer interest in naturally colored foods with regard to absorption, metabolism, and antioxidant capacity, followed by the causes of inflammatory diseases and diabetes, as well as various biological activities that can overcome these health concerns. Chapter 9 presents the heart health benefits of plant sterols, these compounds found naturally in whole grains, nuts, oil seeds and legumes as well as fruits, and are structurally similar to cholesterol and can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels in humans. Thus, this series comprehensively describes the basic information that will be useful for scientists, researchers, teachers, and consumers. This volume is aimed at the following major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, and Research Personnel.

From the challenges of travelling when blind to becoming a parent for the first time, Kika & Me is the moving, heart-warming and inspirational story of Dr Amit Patel’s sight-loss journey and how one guide dog changed his world. 'Inspiring and compelling . . . rekindles one's faith in human nature' - Andrew Marr Amit Patel is working as a trauma doctor when a rare condition causes him to lose his sight within thirty-six hours. Totally dependent on others and terrified of stepping outside with a white cane after he's assaulted, he hits rock bottom. He refuses to leave home on his own for three months. With the support of his wife Seema he slowly adapts to his new situation, but how could life ever be the way it was? Then his guide dog Kika comes along . . . But Kika’s stubbornness almost puts her guide dog training in jeopardy – could her quirky personality be a perfect match for someone? Meanwhile Amit has reservations – can he trust a dog with his safety? Paired together in 2015, they start on a journey, learning to trust each other before taking to the streets of London and beyond. The partnership not only gives Amit a renewed lease of life but a new best friend. Then, after a video of an irate commuter rudely asking Amit to step aside on an escalator goes viral, he sets out with Kika by his side to spread a message of positivity and inclusivity, showing that nothing will hold them back. 'An incredible story of courage, perseverance and, ultimately love' - Sun 'The most moving book of the year' - The Lady

Nutraceuticals are bioactive phytochemicals that protect or promote health and occur at the intersection of food and pharmaceutical industries. This book will cover a wider spectrum of human health and diseases including the role of phytonutrients in the prevention and treatment. The Book includes chapters dealing with biological and clinical effect, molecular level approach, quality assurance, bioavailability and metabolism of a number phytochemicals and their role to combat different diseases.

Pulse Foods: Processing, Quality and Nutraceutical Applications, Second Edition, provides up-to-date information on emerging technologies for the processing of whole pulses, techniques for fractionating pulses into ingredients, their functional and nutritional properties, as well as their potential applications, so that the food industry can incorporate pulses into new food products. Since the first edition, significant developments have occurred in various aspects of pulse, pulse chemistry, processing and applications. This second edition provides thorough and authoritative coverage of pulse quality, technology and nutraceutical applications. Pulse Foods: Processing, Quality and Nutraceutical Applications, Second Edition, will continue to be an important resource for academics, students, researchers and industry professionals in providing essential details on various aspects of pulse foods. - Fully revised and updated with new chapters on nutritional and health properties, storage and pre-processing, extraction technologies and sustainability topics - Addresses processing challenges relevant to legume and pulse grain processors - Delivers insights into the current state-of-art and emerging processing technologies - In depth coverage of developments in nutraceutical applications of pulse protein and carbohydrate based foods