Bioactive Compounds of Arid and Semiarid Fruits: Impact on Human Health

Abstract

Fruits are a rich source of natural bioactive compounds, which include polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and carotenoids. These compounds are characterized as healthy foods and demonstrated biological activity in human health in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Increasing evidence of these bioactive compounds has shown biological relevant activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and neuroactive properties. This chapter defines the basic concepts of bioactive compounds in arid and semiarid fruits and identifies the phytochemicals composition of these fruits in addition to their benefits as antioxidant and chronic disease prevention in relation to human health.