Nutraceuticals in food and pharmacy. A Review

Abstract

The increase in consumer awareness about food and health has led to an increase in the demand for food containing biologically active compounds, especially antioxidants, which can help the human body fight the oxidative stress. Many unconventional or new sources of antioxidants have been discovered, which is a priority not only for food, but also for the pharmaceutical industry. It has been shown that not only raw materials, but also waste from fruit and vegetable processing contains valuable molecules, such as: proteins, essential amino acids, antioxidants, dietary fibers, natural pigments, or aromatic compounds, that can be extracted, purified and modernized in food products or pharmaceuticals with added value. This is the basis of huge potential of not only plant and biotechnology raw materials, but also food waste for the use as a source of antioxidants.

Keywords

• bioactive compounds
• bioavailability
• antioxidants
• natural dyes
• use of food waste
• functional ingredients of food