functional food – Page 3

The release patterns and potential prebiotic characteristics of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber-bound polyphenols from pinot noir grape pomace in vitro digestion and fermentation

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This study examined how grape pomace dietary fiber and its bound polyphenols are broken down in the digestive system and colon. Researchers found that soluble fiber was particularly effective at releasing beneficial compounds that feed healthy gut bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids important for health. The fiber types promoted beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria, suggesting grape pomace could be a valuable ingredient in functional foods to support digestive and overall health.

Prebiotic and Functional Fibers from Micro- and Macroalgae: Gut Microbiota Modulation, Health Benefits, and Food Applications

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Seaweed and other algae contain special fibers called polysaccharides that act like fertilizer for beneficial bacteria in your gut. When these good bacteria ferment these algal fibers, they produce substances called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health, boost immunity, and help control blood sugar and weight. These algae-based fibers are sustainable alternatives to synthetic prebiotics and can be added to foods and supplements.

A Review of Novel Antioxidant Ergothioneine: Biosynthesis Pathways, Production, Function and Food Applications

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Ergothioneine is a powerful natural antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects cells from damage and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Currently, producing ergothioneine from mushrooms is expensive and slow, but scientists have developed faster fermentation methods using engineered microbes that could make it cheaper and more available. This compound can be added to foods and supplements to boost health benefits, and researchers are exploring its use beyond seafood to other food products like meat and baked goods.

Advances in Bioprocess Engineering for Optimising Chlorella vulgaris Fermentation: Biotechnological Innovations and Applications

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Chlorella vulgaris is a nutrient-rich microalga gaining popularity in health supplements, functional foods, and sustainable energy production. Scientists are using advanced genetic engineering techniques, special fermentation methods, and innovative bioreactor designs to increase the production of beneficial compounds like proteins and antioxidants. These improvements make Chlorella more valuable for creating health-promoting foods, medicines, and biofuels while keeping production costs low and environmentally sustainable.

Nettle (Urtica cannabina L.) polysaccharides as a novel dietary supplement: enhancing systemic antioxidant status via modulation of the gut–liver axis

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This study found that nettle polysaccharides, especially at lower doses, act as a natural supplement that boosts the body’s antioxidant defenses. The supplement works by promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut, which produce helpful metabolites that signal to the liver to enhance protective antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest nettle polysaccharides could be a promising natural ingredient for health-conscious food products aimed at maintaining metabolic wellness.

The Emerging Role of Oyster Mushrooms as a Functional Food for Complementary Cancer Therapy

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Oyster mushrooms contain special compounds that may help fight cancer and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have antioxidants and other natural chemicals that can slow cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cells to die. When combined with standard cancer treatments, oyster mushroom supplements might improve quality of life and reduce side effects. More research is needed, but oyster mushrooms show promise as an affordable, natural addition to cancer treatment plans.

The Effects of Iterative Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Structure, Functionality, and Digestibility of Grifola frondosa Protein

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This research shows that freezing and thawing maitake mushroom protein in controlled cycles can significantly improve its ability to stabilize oil and water mixtures in food products. The best results occur after 2-3 cycles, which enhance both how well the protein breaks down during digestion and how effectively it works as an emulsifier in foods like sauces and dressings. This simple physical treatment method offers a sustainable way to improve mushroom protein for food manufacturing without affecting its nutritional quality.

Extraction, Characterization, Biological Properties, and X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Functional Polysaccharides Derived from Limnospira platensis

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Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) is a nutrient-dense microalga that contains beneficial polysaccharides with multiple health benefits. Researchers extracted and analyzed these polysaccharides, finding they have strong antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes. These compounds also support beneficial gut bacteria growth, making spirulina a promising natural ingredient for functional foods and health supplements.

Nutrients and Nutraceuticals from Vitis vinifera L. Pomace: Biological Activities, Valorization, and Potential Applications

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Wine production generates millions of tons of grape pomace (the leftover skins, seeds, and stems) annually, which has traditionally been discarded as waste. This review shows that grape pomace is actually rich in valuable nutrients and compounds like polyphenols and fiber that provide significant health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting properties. By using grape pomace in functional foods, supplements, and cosmetics, the wine industry can reduce waste while creating sustainable products that promote human health.

Koumiss (Fermented Mare’s Milk) as a Functional Food: Bioactive Proteins, Peptides, and Future Perspectives

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Koumiss is a fermented mare’s milk beverage consumed for centuries in Central Asia that offers unique health benefits. Unlike cow’s milk, mare’s milk is easier to digest, contains natural antimicrobial proteins, and when fermented develops thousands of bioactive peptides and beneficial bacteria. These compounds may help with cardiovascular health, gut function, and immune support, making koumiss a promising functional food for modern nutrition.

Research Keyword: functional food