Author Description

"This new volume discusses the valuable contribution of immune-boosting properties of nutraceuticals and functional foods toward human health, exploring dietary antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, edible microalgae, herbs, phytonutrients, omega 3-fatty acids, and probiotics. These resources contain nutraceutical components that facilitate the strengthening of the immune system to fight diseases and keep bodies strong. The volume first addresses the immune-boosting properties of herbs and vegetables, showing their importance in the treatment of various disorders and health issues. It looks at the pharmacological and therapeutic importance of commonly used medicinal herbs and carotenoids-containing vegetables and their immunological and biological actions for treating disease and maintaining health. Chapters also investigate the specific nutritional components that boost immunity, such as probiotics and their immune response to disease prevention and in treatment. The authors also look at minerals with immune-boosting properties, such as those found in different citrus fruit peels, such as orange (Citrus sinensis), kinnow (Citrus reticulata), and mosambi (Citrus limetta), and grapefruit. The close association and interaction between nutraceuticals and gut microbiota and the after-effects of these interaction in human and gut health is discussed as well. Several chapters focus on marine-derived sources used to boost immunity, such as microalgae-derived compounds and compounds from coral reefs, which can promote better health and alleviate the risk of development of degenerative diseases. Other topics cover the immune-boosting properties of ayurvedic formulations and the connection of nutrition, malnutrition, infection, and immunity. This volume will be valuable for food science professionals, nutritionists and dieticians, academicians researching food engineering problems, and graduate level students"--