Food scientists will dig into this robust reference on mushrooms Mushrooms as Functional Foods is a compendium of current research on the chemistry and biology, nutritional and medicinal value, and the use of mushrooms in the modern functional foods industry. Topics covered range from the agricultural production of mushrooms to the use of molecular biological techniques like functional genomics; from nutritional values of newly cultivated mushroom species to the multifunctional effects of the unconventional form of mushroom (sclerotium); from the physiological benefits and pharmacological properties of bioactive components in mushrooms to the regulation of their use as functional foods and dietary supplements in different parts of the world. With contributions from leading experts worldwide, this comprehensive reference: * Reviews trends in mushroom use and research, with extensive information on emerging species * Includes coverage of cultivation, physiology, and genetics * Highlights applications in functional foods and medicinal use * Covers worldwide regulations and safety issues of mushrooms in functional foods and dietary supplements * Discusses the classification, identification, and commercial collection of newly cultivated mushroom species * Features a color insert with photographs of different types of mushrooms This is an integrated, single-source reference for undergraduates majoring in food science and nutrition, postgraduates, and professional food scientists and technologists working in the functional food area, and medical and health science professionals interested in alternative medicines and natural food therapies.

Wild Plants, Mushrooms and Nuts: Functional Properties and Food Applications is a compendium of current and novel research on the chemistry, biochemistry, nutritional and pharmaceutical value of traditional food products, namely wild mushrooms, plants and nuts, which are becoming more relevant in diets, and are especially useful for developing novel health foods and in modern natural food therapies. Topics covered will range from their nutritional value, chemical and biochemical characterization, to their multifunctional applications as food with beneficial effects on health, though their biological and pharmacological properties (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor capacity, among others).

There are around 1.5 million fungal species worldwide. Out of these around 14,000 species produce fruiting bodies known as mushrooms, and around 2000 species are edible, and only 270 are reported to be medicinal. The fungal kingdom is phylogenetically closer to humans than plants, so gives better health benefits to human systems. This book educates readers on the nutritional, pharmaceutical and medicinal values of different mushrooms and their utilization as nutraceuticals and functional foods for human security. It reviews the current knowledge on the distribution of edible mushrooms, its general characteristics, morphology, nutritional profile and properties, pharmacological importance, and biological activities. Health benefits of mushrooms, antioxidant and secondary metabolite profiling, major biological activities of mushroom-derived secondary metabolites, functional foods based on the mushrooms open doors for therapies, products with added value, toxicology, and side effects if any are also highlighted. The book is intended for a large and varied audience – researchers, scientists, and scholars in academia, mushroom growers and industries, nutritionists, dietitians, food scientists, clinicians, doctors, drug industries, pharmacy, biotechnologists, biochemists, botanists, mycologists, and general masses.

Comprehensive and timely, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications provides the most up to date information on the various edible mushrooms on the market. Compiling knowledge on their production, application and nutritional effects, chapters are dedicated to the cultivation of major species such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and others. With contributions from top researchers from around the world, topics covered include: Biodiversity and biotechnological applications Cultivation technologies Control of pests and diseases Current market overview Bioactive mechanisms of mushrooms Medicinal and nutritional properties Extensively illustrated with over 200 images, this is the perfect resource for researchers and professionals in the mushroom industry, food scientists and nutritionists, as well as academics and students of biology, agronomy, nutrition and medicine.

Since the publication of the first edition, important developments have emerged in modern mushroom biology and world mushroom production and products. The relationship of mushrooms with human welfare and the environment, medicinal properties of mushrooms, and the global marketing value of mushrooms and their products have all garnered great attenti

Showcases the recent advances in microbial functional food applications across food science, microbiology, biotechnology, and chemical engineering Microbial technology plays a key role in the improvement of biotechnology, cosmeceuticals, and biopharmaceutical applications. It has turned into a subject of expanding significance because new microbes and their related biomolecules are distinguished for their biological activity and health benefits. Encompassing both biotechnology and chemical engineering, Microbial Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals brings together microbiology, bacteria, and food processing/mechanization, which have applications for a variety of audiences. Pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical device development all employ microbial food technology. The book addresses the recent advances in microbial functional foods and associated applications, providing an important reference work for graduates and researchers. It also provides up-to-date information on novel nutraceutical compounds and their mechanisms of action—catering to the needs of researchers and academics in food science and technology, microbiology, chemical engineering, and other disciplines who are dealing with microbial functional foods and related areas. Microbial Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals is: Ground-breaking: Includes the latest developments and research in the area of microbial functional foods and nutraceuticals Multidisciplinary: Applicable across food science and technology, microbiology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and other important research fields Practical and academic: An important area of both academic research and new product development in the food and pharmaceutical industries Microbial Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals is an ideal resource of information for biologists, microbiologists, bioengineers, biochemists, biotechnologists, food technologists, enzymologists, and nutritionists.

Many of the vast number of mushroom species are available world-wide. They are valued in gourmet traditions around the world for their unique taste, aroma, nutritional value, and medicinal potentials. Many mushroom species are also used in traditional medicines in many countries around the world, including China, Japan, Nigeria, Tibet, etc. Additionally, mushrooms are highly appreciated by many in most communities. Because they are considered as valuable health foods, have acceptable texture and flavour, have low energy content, high proportion of indigestible fibre, and antioxidant constituents. They have good medicinal values, and they contain significant amounts of vitamins, and minerals. This book discusses the cultivation of mushrooms along with the antioxidant properties mushrooms have. The book also provides information on the health benefits edible mushrooms may have on the human body.