Research Keyword: functional foods

Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems: integrating natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials for enhanced delivery of bioactive compounds in functional foods

Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems combine natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials to better protect and deliver beneficial compounds in functional foods. These systems improve the stability and absorption of nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics that would otherwise break down during processing or digestion. Various manufacturing methods such as electrospinning and self-assembly enable precise control of particle size and release, making functional foods more effective for health benefits.

Read More »

Dietary melanoidins as emerging functional components: interactions with gut microbiota and implications for nutritional modulation of intestinal health

Melanoidins are natural brown compounds formed when foods are cooked or fermented, found in items like roasted coffee, bread, and soy sauce. When eaten, these compounds pass through the stomach and small intestine unchanged, then are broken down by beneficial bacteria in the colon. This breakdown produces helpful substances that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and may help prevent digestive diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Read More »

Bioactive Peptides from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as Modulators of the Gut Microbiome: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Evidence

This review examines how quinoa and its protein-derived peptides can improve gut health by changing the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Research shows that quinoa helps boost beneficial bacteria, increases diversity of microbial communities, and promotes production of butyrate, a beneficial compound that supports intestinal health. Different disease conditions show specific improvements, such as reduced harmful bacteria in colitis and better metabolic balance in obesity, suggesting quinoa could be tailored for personalized health interventions.

Read More »

Health benefits of fish and fish by-products—a nutritional and functional perspective

Fish is an excellent food that provides many important nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that help protect our hearts, brains, and overall health. Different fish species offer various health benefits including protecting against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain disorders. However, some fish can contain harmful contaminants like mercury, so choosing safer options like salmon and cod is important for children and pregnant women.

Read More »

Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review

Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake contain powerful compounds that may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. These mushrooms are low in calories and can be added to everyday foods like bread, pasta, and meat products to boost their nutritional value. While promising, more research is needed to confirm how much people should consume and whether they interact safely with medications.

Read More »

Whey Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: Advances in Production, Selection and Bioactivity Profiling

Whey, a liquid byproduct from cheese-making that was once considered waste, contains valuable proteins that can be broken down into smaller bioactive peptides. These peptides have numerous health benefits including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and can be used in functional foods and medicines. Researchers are developing advanced techniques to extract and produce these peptides more efficiently, and using computer models to predict which peptides will have specific health benefits.

Read More »

The Co-Evolution of Markets and Regulation in the Japanese Functional Food Industry: Balancing Risk and Benefit

This research examines how Japan regulates functional foods – products designed to promote health beyond basic nutrition. The study shows that food regulations have evolved alongside industry growth, trying to balance protecting consumers from unsafe products while allowing companies to innovate and make health claims. Using a framework that examines both safety concerns and consumer benefit information, the authors trace how Japan’s regulatory system changed from the 1960s to today, showing how regulations respond to industry needs and safety incidents.

Read More »

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, Leccinum scabrum in the Context of Environmental Conditions and Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation

This study examined three popular edible mushroom species from Poland to understand their nutritional benefits and safety. While all three mushrooms are rich in beneficial compounds like antioxidants and immune-boosting polysaccharides, Boletus edulis (porcini) accumulates concerning levels of cadmium from soil. The research shows these mushrooms are safe in normal amounts, but eating excessive quantities of porcini mushrooms could exceed safe limits for toxic metals, especially for people in polluted areas.

Read More »

Edible Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds with Health Benefits and Processing Aspects

Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods packed with beneficial compounds that can help prevent various diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They contain natural antioxidants and immune-boosting substances that support overall health. Scientists are developing new extraction methods to capture these beneficial compounds more efficiently, and various cooking and processing techniques can help preserve their nutritional value for daily consumption.

Read More »

Insights into the evolution and mechanisms of response to heat stress by whole genome sequencing and comparative proteomics analysis of the domesticated edible mushroom Lepista sordida

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of Lepista sordida, a delicious edible mushroom valued for its health benefits, and studied how this mushroom responds to heat stress at the molecular level. Using advanced analysis techniques, they identified key proteins and signaling pathways that help the mushroom survive high temperatures. These findings can help farmers develop better-performing strains that are more resistant to heat, improving mushroom production.

Read More »
Scroll to Top