Plant Resources and Functional Foods

Abstract

A healthy diet can provide all the essential nutrients for the well-being of an individual. Functional foods can be defined as any modified food or food ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains. Consumer interest in functional foods has been increasing due to their potential to improve health or reduce the risk of diseases. This chapter discusses the bioactive components and the functional health benefits of plant-based foods. It focuses on some of the significant plant resources and their functional properties, which help reduce or minimize the risk of certain diseases.