Health-promoting Properties of Fruit and Vegetables - Softcover

"Terry has compiled a collection of new literature reviews, authored by researchers in the field, on the health effects of various fruits and vegetables. The volume is divided into 19 chapterse, beginning with an introductory chaper providing an overview of the subject. The next 16 chapers cover a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including avocados, berries, citrus fruits, root vegetables, leafy vegetables, Brassicae, and more. The extensively referenced chaters consider pre- and postharvest effects, including methods of cooking when studied, research related to specific diseases, and further studies needed. The authors are careful to cite negative as well as positive research. The final two chapters focus on methodolgies for evaluating bioactive compounds. A variety of tables and charts support the text. This is an excellent review of current research on these foods. Summing Up: Highly Recommended."-- (06/01/2012)

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, characterisation and quantification of bioactive compounds and the in vitro and in vivo anticancer assays. This book is an essential resource for researchers and students in food science, nutrition and fruit and vegetable production.