Asian Functional Foods

The consumption of functional foods has emerged as a major consumer-driven trend, based on the needs of an ever-growing health conscious population that wants to exercise greater control over its health. Focusing on an important sector of this rapidly growing field, Asian Functional Foods discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of functional foods found in the traditional Asian diet, from fundamental concepts of biochemistry, nutrition, and physiology to food science and technology. The book covers a wide range of topics, beginning with an introduction to the source, history, functionality, and chemical, physical, and physiological properties of traditional Asian functional foods, followed by the health benefits, mechanisms of antioxidant action, anticancer and antiaging properties, supported by clinical and epidemiological evidence. The chapter authors discuss processing technology and process systems, equipment, material preparation, food preparation, and quality control during processing. They explore stability, shelf life, and storage criteria for traditional functional food products, industrial production, home-made products, consumer and marketing issues, and social and economical impact. As Asian functional foods continue to gain popularity worldwide, a solid understanding of these functional foods will help food scientists take advantage of them to better maintain and promote health. Examining the scientific and social issues impacting their development, this book provides that understanding.

Health and healing foods have a long history in the Asian cultures. Those of Eastern culture have long believed that food and medicine are from the same source and can treat illnesses and promote a healthier life. This volume covers certain traditional Asian functional foods, their history, functionality, health benefits, physiological properties, mechanisms of anti-cancer and anti-aging action. In addition, it covers processing technology, storage, material sources, marketing, social, and economical aspects. Expanding on geographical areas covered in previous works, the authors consider foods that originate from all over upper and lower Asian as well as the Middle East.

This comprehensive new book provides up-to-date information on many types of Asian prepared foods-their origin, preparation methods, processing principles, technical innovation, quality factors, nutritional values, and market potential. Written by experts who specialize in the field, it includes information on Asian dietary habits and the health significance of Asian diets. Asian Foods also discusses differences in preparations and varieties among diverse Asian ethnic groups and regions, cultural aspects associated with the consumption of the products, and the market status or potential of more than 400 varieties of Asian foods. These foods include products made from rice, wheat, other starchy grains, soybeans, meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables, as well as functional foods and alcoholic beverages. This timely book will be of interest to food professionals in product development, dieticians interested in Asian diets and dietary habits, business developers seeking market potential for Asian prepared foods, and food science and human nutrition students who need supplemental information.

The Functional Food Center has successfully held 25 International Conferences, including this one, since 2004. We take special interest in enabling the assimilation of scientific knowledge at our conferences under the series "Functional Foods and Chronic Diseases: Science and Practice." The 25th International Conference was held October 27th throguh October 28th, in Osaka, Japan. This conference was titled "Encounters of Functional Foods and Asian Traditional Medicines." Main conference sessions and topics include: -Functional Food Definition and the Status in Japan and USA -Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine) -Traditional medicines in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia -Traditional medicines and functional foods -Functional Food Ingredients: Sources and Potential Benefits in Public Health -Immunomodulation by Functional Foods: Promising Concept for Chronic Disease and Healthy Aging -Functional Foods and Chronic Diseases -Current Research and Development of New Functional Food Products The Functional Food Center's research has allowed modern society to evade the side effects of modern pharmaceuticals and the problems associated with treating chronic diseases through surgical procedures. Presented in this book are scientists, food manufacturers, and healthcare professionals who are committed to functional food research that have brought together ideas and research to treat chronic illnesses and improve the quality of life through the utilization of functional foods with bioactive compounds.

Chinese Dates: A Traditional Functional Food delivers unique information on Chinese dates (jujubes) as typical ethical foods and traditional health-promoting foods. It conveys a better understanding of Asian food cultures and provides historical information in regard to traditional functional foods and their dietary applications. It discusses the h

Functional foods are foods which contain bioactive components, either from plant or animal sources, which can have health benefits for the consumer over and above their nutritional value. Foods which have antioxidant or cancer-combating components are in high demand from health conscious consumers: much has been made of the health-giving qualities of fruits and vegetables in particular. Conversely, foods which have been processed are suffering an image crisis, with many consumers indiscriminately assuming that any kind of processing robs food of its “natural goodness”. To date, there has been little examination of the actual effects – whether positive or negative – of various types of food processing upon functional foods. This book highlights the effects of food processing on the active ingredients of a wide range of functional food materials, with a particular focus on foods of Asian origin. Asian foods, particularly herbs, are becoming increasingly accepted and demanded globally, with many Western consumers starting to recognize and seek out their health-giving properties. This book focuses on the extraction of ingredients which from materials which in the West are seen as “alternative” - such as flour from soybeans instead of wheat, or bran and starch from rice – but which have long histories in Asian cultures. It also highlight the incorporation of those bioactive compounds in foods and the enhancement of their bioavailability. Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements: Processing Effects and Health Benefits will be required reading for those working in companies, research institutions and universities that are active in the areas of food processing and agri-food environment. Food scientists and engineers will value the new data and research findings contained in the book, while environmentalists, food regulatory agencies and other food industry personnel involved in functional food production or development will find it a very useful source of information.

Koreans believe the adage of food as medicine. Therefore, herbs or fruit ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, adlay, mugwort, pomegranate, and ginseng are used for their therapeutic effects as much as cooking. This book provide information related to Korean functional food. It first describes the history and culture of Korean foods, and then compares Korean diet tables with other Asian countries and Western countries. Also, the book will cover detailed information of Korean functional foods such as kimchi, soybean products, ginseng, salt, oil and seeds. It also deals with its health benefits and processing methods, followed by rules and regulations related to its manufacture and sales.

Koreans believe the adage of food as medicine. Therefore, herbs or fruit ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, adlay, mugwort, pomegranate, and ginseng are used for their therapeutic effects as much as cooking. This book provide information related to Korean functional food. It first describes the history and culture of Korean foods, and then compares Korean diet tables with other Asian countries and Western countries. Also, the book will cover detailed information of Korean functional foods such as kimchi, soybean products, ginseng, salt, oil and seeds. It also deals with its health benefits and processing methods, followed by rules and regulations related to its manufacture and sales.