Gac Fruit

Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng, is rich in nutrients such as carotenoids (particularly ß-carotene and lycopene), fatty acids, vitamin E, polyphenol compounds and flavonoids. This book provides the latest research on this fruit, from cultivation through to novel processing technologies for health products. It addresses several techniques for propagation and cultivation in order to increase the production and quality of Gac fruit, including traditionally used parts of the fruit (aril) and those whose value has not yet been maximized (peel, pulp and seed). This plant has the potential to be a high value crop, particularly as parts of the fruit can be processed into nutrient supplements and natural colorants. Currently only the aril is commercially harvested, and this presents opportunities for upcycling the rest of the fruit.

Fruit Oils: Chemistry and Functionality presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the chemistry and functionality of lipid bioactive phytochemicals found in fruit oils. The chapters in this text examine the composition, physicochemical characteristics and organoleptic attributes of each of the major fruit oils. The nutritional quality, oxidative stability, and potential food and non-foodapplications of these oils are also extensively covered. The potential health benefits of the bioactive lipids found in these fruit oils are also a focus of this text. For each oil presented, the levels of omega-9, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are specified, indicating the level of health-promoting traits exhibited in each. The oils and fats extracted from fruits generally differ from one another both in terms of their major and minor bioactive constituents. The methods used to extract oils and fats as well as the processing techniques such as refining, bleaching and deodorization affect their major and minor constituents. In addition, different post-processing treatments of fruit oils and fats may alert or degrade important bioactive constituents. Treatments such as heating, frying, cooking and storage and major constituents such as sterols and tocols are extensively covered in this text. Although there have been reference works published on the composition and biological properties of lipids from oilseeds, there is currently no book focused on the composition and functionality of fruit oils. Fruit Oils: Chemistry and Functionality aims to fill this gap for researchers, presenting a detailed overview of the chemical makeup and functionality of all the important fruit oils.

Food and Lifestyle in Health and Disease gathers information on various food types providing an explanation of their nutrient composition, sources, roles, and mechanisms in health and diseases. To obtain good health practices and prevent diseases, it is necessary to understand links in the relationship of food, lifestyle, environment, and health. This book is a vital source for research topics related to these issues, including the following: Analysis of various types of food and lifestyles for the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular disorders, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The influences of environmental pollution, synergistic effects of different foods, and synergy of foods with physical activity or medicine. The roles of animal, fungal, and plant source foods in human health and disease. This book is appropriate for health-conscious users, health care providers and practitioners, teachers, and researchers.

This book continues as volume 2 of a multi-compendium on Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants. It covers edible fruits/seeds used fresh or processed, as vegetables, spices, stimulants, pulses, edible oils and beverages. It encompasses species from the following families: Clusiaceae, Combretaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Dilleniaceae, Ebenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Ericaceae and Fabaceae. This work will be of significant interest to scientists, researchers, medical practitioners, pharmacologists, ethnobotanists, horticulturists, food nutritionists, agriculturists, botanists, herbalogists, conservationists, teachers, lecturers, students and the general public. Topics covered include: taxonomy (botanical name and synonyms); common English and vernacular names; origin and distribution; agro-ecological requirements; edible plant part and uses; botany; nutritive and medicinal/pharmacological properties, medicinal uses and current research findings; non-edible uses; and selected/cited references.

Drawing on the expertise of internationally known, interdisciplinary scientists and researchers, Food Colorants: Chemical and Functional Properties provides an integrative image of the scientific characteristics, functionality, and applications of color molecules as pigments in food science and technology, as well as their impact on health. The book emphasizes the structure-function relationships of pigment molecules to explain biosynthesis, modifications and degradation during storage and processing, and the effect of these changes on quality and safety. Understanding the rate and nature of degradation assists in selecting optimum processing parameters. Beginning with an overview of the physics and biochemistry of color, the book focuses on the mechanics of pigment stability and bioavailability, and antioxidant and pro-oxidant action. It reviews the influence of pigments on health and metabolism, incorporating results of in vivo and in vitro studies. It addresses the occurrence of pigment in food matrices and their stability during processing and storage. Conventional technologies as well as new, environmentally friendly methods are presented along with recent advances in biotechnology to produce colorants. There is also a chapter on novel approaches to the biosynthesis of colorants by microalgae, microorganisms, and genetic engineering. Contributions give significant attention to analytical methods and recent advances in detecting both natural and synthetic colorants, their quality, quantity, and degradation during processing and storage. The book rounds out its comprehensive coverage with a look at quality and safety risk assessments and international regulations, as well as lists of formerly and newly approved colorants and additives. Peer reviewed contributions and critical evaluations ensure a concise, systematic presentation of the relationships between the chemical nature and functional properties of various natural and synthetic pigments used to color food.

Natural Substances for Cancer Prevention explores in detail how numerous investigations in chemical biology and molecular biology have established strong scientific evidence demonstrating how the properties of naturally occurring bioactive chemicals hamper all stages of cancers (from initiation to metastasis). Accordingly, important goals for cancer prevention are the modification of our dietary habits and an increase in the intake of more anticancer-related natural substances. More significantly, the bioactive chemicals presented in the functional foods should be readily available, inexpensive, non-toxic, and nutritional.

Perhaps youve come to a point in your life where enough is enough. Youve taken more medicines than you ever thought possible, you feel tired and sluggish or you are fed up with your fluctuating weight. No matter what your story is, this book is for you. Heal and Live Younger will give you the tools you need to break free of your pharmaceutical chains that hold you from feeling healthy and alive. It will enable you to take a more natural approach to your weight and health issues, while turning back the clock of time to look younger and feel great. Why take my word for it? Get started and learn to Heal and Live Younger!

This revised and updated edition is an essential guide for individuals and their relatives affected by cancer. It is based only on the proven facts and describes practical dietary and lifestyle measures to reduce the side effects of treatments and to improve the overall chance of cure.