Research Keyword: functional food

Comparative study on structural characterization, physicochemical properties, and in vitro probiotic activities of resistant starch from different varieties of Euryale ferox

Euryale ferox, a nutritious aquatic plant, contains two varieties with significantly different health benefits. North Euryale ferox has much higher levels of resistant starch (a special type of starch that resists digestion) compared to South Euryale ferox, making it potentially more beneficial for gut health and diabetes management. The resistant starch in this plant acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria, supporting overall digestive and metabolic health.

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Exploring the Prebiotic Potentials of Hydrolyzed Pectins: Mechanisms of Action and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Pectins are fiber-like compounds found in fruits and vegetables that can benefit gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. When pectins are broken down into smaller pieces (oligosaccharides), they work better as prebiotics, promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria that produce beneficial substances called short-chain fatty acids. These compounds may help improve digestive health, strengthen immunity, and reduce inflammation.

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Effects of adding food ingredients rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols on the microstructure, texture, starch digestibility and functional properties of Chinese steamed bun

Researchers created an improved version of Chinese steamed bun by adding dragon fruit, kudzu root, and a medicinal mushroom called Hericium erinaceus. This new bun has much more fiber and antioxidants, and importantly, it causes much smaller increases in blood sugar after eating compared to traditional steamed buns. The study shows it can help promote beneficial gut bacteria and may be beneficial for people managing diabetes and metabolic health.

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Screening of a Fraction with Higher Amyloid β Aggregation Inhibitory Activity from a Library Containing 210 Mushroom Extracts Using a Microliter-Scale High-Throughput Screening System with Quantum Dot Imaging

Researchers screened 210 mushroom species from Japan to find those that could prevent harmful protein clumping in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They identified a purified fraction from the mushroom Elfvingia applanata that was more effective than a known anti-Alzheimer’s compound at stopping these protein clumps from forming. The extract also protected nerve cells from damage in laboratory tests. This finding suggests mushrooms could potentially be developed into a functional food to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

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The Possibility of Using Sulphur Shelf Fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) in the Food Industry and in Medicine—A Review

Sulphur shelf fungus, known as ‘chicken of the woods,’ is a bright yellow mushroom that grows on tree trunks and has remarkable health benefits. Research shows it contains compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making it valuable for both food and medicine. The fungus can be cultivated relatively quickly and easily, and some countries already recognize it as safe for food use, potentially opening new applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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Exploring the Mechanisms of Amino Acid and Bioactive Constituent Formation During Fruiting Body Development in Lyophyllum decastes by Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

This research study examined how Lyophyllum decastes mushrooms develop and accumulate their valuable nutrients and flavor compounds. Scientists found that amino acids and polysaccharides reach their highest levels when the mushroom is mature, ready for harvesting. By analyzing the genes and chemical changes during mushroom growth, researchers identified the specific pathways responsible for producing these beneficial compounds. This knowledge helps improve mushroom cultivation and confirms its value as a healthy functional food.

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Impact of maltodextrin and gum Arabic ratio on freeze dried microencapsulated extract of microgreen kangkong (Ipomoea reptans Poir)

Microgreen kangkong is a young vegetable packed with more beneficial compounds than regular mature kangkong. Researchers found that wrapping these beneficial compounds in a protective coating made from maltodextrin and gum Arabic using freeze-drying technology preserves their health benefits. The best protective coating ratio was 20% maltodextrin and 80% gum Arabic, which kept more of the beneficial compounds intact and created a powder that could be used in functional foods and health supplements.

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A Review of the Role of Paraprobiotics in the Formulation of High-Protein Ice Cream as an Advanced Functional Food

Paraprobiotics are inactivated bacterial cells that offer the same health benefits as live probiotics but are much more stable and don’t require refrigeration. When added to high-protein ice cream, paraprobiotics help boost immune function and gut health while improving the product’s texture and shelf-life. This makes paraprobiotic-enriched ice cream an ideal functional dessert for athletes, people with dietary restrictions, and anyone seeking healthier frozen food options.

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Exploring the Nutritional Value and Bioactive Potential of Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. as a Functional Food Source

Black trumpet mushrooms from Romania have been found to contain high levels of beneficial compounds that protect cells from damage and fight harmful bacteria. The mushrooms showed strong antioxidant properties in laboratory tests and were effective against several disease-causing bacteria, though not against all types tested. These results suggest that black trumpets could be used as a natural supplement or food ingredient to support health and potentially help treat infections.

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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mushroom-Based Food Additives and Food Fortified with Them—Current Status and Future Perspectives

Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods containing compounds that protect our bodies from damage and reduce inflammation. When mushrooms are processed into powders, extracts, or specially designed capsules, they can be added to ordinary foods like bread, pasta, and yogurt to make them healthier. This review shows that these mushroom-enriched foods successfully boost the antioxidant power of products, though the best results depend on how the mushrooms are prepared and which type of food they’re added to.

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