Functional foods containing secondary metabolites have recently garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits and unique culinary properties. These bioactive compounds, which include flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, glucosinolates, and carotenoids, can provide a range of advantages such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties.
The importance of these functional foods lies in their potential to improve overall health and reduce the risk of various diseases. They can also contribute to sustainable agriculture by promoting the cultivation of crops with unique nutritional profiles. Furthermore, the development and consumption of functional foods encourage innovation and economic growth in the food industry, as researchers continue to explore the potential of these bioactive compounds.
This Article Collection seeks to cover a broad range of topics related to secondary metabolites and their applications in functional foods. We welcome authors to submit original research and review articles exploring various aspects of secondary metabolites in food crops, human health, and the food industry. While we are particularly interested in the following areas, our scope is not limited to these topics:
- Enhanced expression of beneficial secondary metabolites in food crops through agronomic practices or genetic engineering.
- Structure and activity analysis of secondary metabolites in the human body, including their interactions with other nutrients and bioactive compounds.
- Identification and characterization of secondary metabolites expressed in specific food sources, including their potential health benefits and culinary applications.
- The role of secondary metabolites in food in the prevention and management of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and age-related disorders.
- Economic and sustainability aspects of secondary metabolite production in the food industry, including the development of novel functional foods and nutraceuticals.
We highly encourage the submission of manuscripts that explore the potential of secondary metabolites in functional foods and their contributions to human health, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth. By compiling cutting-edge research in this rapidly evolving field, we aim to provide valuable insights and stimulate further advancements in the understanding and utilization of these remarkable compounds.
Guest Advisor Dr. Hafiz Suleria is a Senior Lecturer (ARC DECRA Fellow) at the University of Melbourne, focusing on Food Science and Nutrition. Dr. Suleria's research primarily focuses on the identification and characterization of phytochemicals and bioactive molecules from various plant, marine, and animal sources. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Suleria actively contributes to the scientific community.
Institutional page: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/827470-hafiz-suleria
Guest Advisor Dr. Osman Tuncay Agar is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and an Assistant Professor at Suleyman Demirel University. He specializes in pharmacognosy and has research interests in phytotherapy, food science, and complementary medicine. Dr. Agar is an active researcher with a growing number of publications and involvement in TUBITAK projects.
