Health-promoting Properties of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are one of the richest sources of ascorbic acid, other antioxidants and produce specific bioactive compounds. A general consensus from health experts has confirmed that an increased dietary intake of specific bioactive compounds found in some fresh produce types may protect against oxidative damage and reduce the incidence of certain cancers and chronic diseases. This book collectively discusses and reviews empirical data on health-promoting properties of major fresh produce types. It provides detailed information on identity, nature, bioavailablity, chemopreventative effects and postharvest stability of specific chemical classes with known bioactive properties. In addition, chapters discuss the various methodologies for extraction, isolation, characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds and the in vitro and in vivo anticancer assays.