Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals Sources, Stability and Extraction

Phytochemicals are plant derived chemicals which may bestowhealth benefits when consumed, whether medicinally or as part of abalanced diet. Given that plant foods are a major component of mostdiets worldwide, it is unsurprising that these foods represent thegreatest source of phytochemicals for most people. Yet it is onlyrelatively recently that due recognition has been given to theimportance of phytochemicals in maintaining our health. Newevidence for the role of specific plant food phytochemicals inprotecting against the onset of diseases such as cancers and heartdisease is continually being put forward. The increasing awarenessof consumers of the link between diet and health has exponentiallyincreased the number of scientific studies into the biologicaleffects of these substances. The Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals provides acomprehensive overview of the occurrence, significance and factorseffecting phytochemicals in plant foods. A key of objective of thebook is to critically evaluate these aspects. Evaluation ofthe evidence for and against the quantifiable health benefits beingimparted as expressed in terms of the reduction in the risk ofdisease conferred through the consumption of foods that are rich inphytochemicals. With world-leading editors and contributors, the Handbook ofPlant Food Phytochemicals is an invaluable, cutting-edgeresource for food scientists, nutritionists and plant biochemists.It covers the processing techniques aimed at the production ofphytochemical-rich foods which can have a role indisease-prevention, making it ideal for both the food industry andthose who are researching the health benefits of particular foods.Lecturers and advanced students will find it a helpful and readableguide to a constantly expanding subject area.