Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants: Processing, Health Benefits and Safety (IFST Advances in Food Science)

The latest research on the health benefits and optimal processing technologies of herbs and spices This book provides a comprehensive overview of the health benefits, analytical techniques used, and effects of processing upon the physicochemical properties of herbs and spices. Presented in three parts, it opens with a section on the technological and health benefits of herbs and spices. The second part reviews the effect of classical and novel processing techniques on the properties of herbs/spices. The third section examines extraction techniques and analytical methodologies used for herbs and spices. Filled with contributions from experts in academia and industry, Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants: Processing, Health Benefits and Safety offers chapters covering thermal and non-thermal processing of herbs and spices, recent developments in high-quality drying of herbs and spices, conventional and novel techniques for extracting bioactive compounds from herbs and spices, and approaches to analytical techniques. It also examines purification and isolation techniques for enriching bioactive phytochemicals, medicinal properties of herbs and spices, synergy in whole-plant medicine, potential applications of polyphenols from herbs and spices in dairy products, biotic and abiotic safety concerns, and adverse human health effects and regulation of metal contaminants in terrestrial plant-derived food and phytopharmaceuticals. Covers the emerging health benefits of herbs and spices, including their use as anti-diabetics, anti-inflammatories, and anti-oxidants Reviews the effect of classical and novel processing techniques on the properties of herbs and spices Features informed perspectives from noted academics and professionals in the industry Part of Wiley's new IFST Advances in Food Science series Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants is an important book for companies, research institutions, and universities active in the areas of food processing and the agri-food environment. It will appeal to food scientists and engineers, environmentalists, and food regulatory agencies. "Recent epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that herbs and spices, which are well-known sources of bioactive phytochemicals, also have specific health benefits, including anti-diabetic properties, the ability to stimulate digestion, and as anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. However, herbs and spices are perishable items: to preserve them for export and/or storage, they are often processed prior to consumption, which could affect their physico-chemical and biological properties. This book will provide a comprehensive overview of the health benefits, analytical techniques used and effects of processing upon the physico-chemical properties of herbs and spices. The book will open with a section on the technological and health benefits of herbs and spices. The second part will review the effect of classical and novel processing techniques on the properties of herbs/spices. The third section will examine extraction techniques and analytical methodologies used for herbs and spices. Contributors from both academia and industry will provide informed perspectives"-- Provided by publisher