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Proteins are an important nutrient and ingredient in food as well as in nutritional supplements. The application and take up of food proteins, especially plant proteins, has been limited due to their undesirable sensory properties, e.g. taste, odour, and chalky mouth feel. This will need to change if the availability of meat protein becomes scarcer. Documenting the latest research, this book is the first overview of the recent advances in flavour research of food proteins, with an emphasis on the major plant proteins, e.g. soy and pulse proteins. The topics to be covered include sensory and instrumental characterization of flavour compounds in food proteins, how flavour profiles in food proteins can be formed or altered, research advances of individual food proteins, the use of food protein products as flavouring ingredients, and future trends of flavouring food proteins. There is a growing interest in using plant proteins in food formulation and industrial applications, but no book has yet covered this systematically until now. Summarizing research advances in consumer studies and flavour chemistry that focus on food proteins, the book will discuss the flavour properties and problems in each major and novel food protein source for the academic and industry market.

Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, represent the cause of 60% of all deaths around the globe. With proper diet and natural dietary antioxidant supplements, these diseases can be prevented by up to 40% according to the British Nutrition Foundation. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the health benefits of natural dietary antioxidant supplements. It presents state-of-the-art research and information as well as the global regulations, labelling, and health claims of natural dietary antioxidant supplements. Written by expert authors, the wealth of research is arranged by disease type rather than by supplement type making it much more useful to the reader. Filling a gap in the literature, the book is aimed at researchers and professionals working in food chemistry, nutrition, and health benefits.

The Capsicum genus comprises the botanic species known as chili peppers, the most widely consumed natural product by humankind. Their usage is diverse and varies from food additives to defensive devices and medicines. Providing a comprehensive overview of the great popularization and socioeconomic importance of Capsicum, this book includes a holistic description of the properties of Capsicum and how this correlates with the chemical profile. Several of their specialized metabolites, such as capsaicinoids and carotenoids, are in fact responsible for peppers characterization as a functional food as they provide pungency, deterrent properties and outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and chemopreventive. This book shows the big picture behind peppers featuring as functional foods using a biochemistry background to elucidate how the chemical composition of this genus can affect its unique bioactivity and sensorial characteristics. In addition, the state-of-art regarding Capsicum exploitation is also emphasized. Intended for all types of audiences, it is a resource for those curious about peppers pungency, for graduate students aiming to improve their skills and professional who need to update their knowledge regarding peppers chemistry and pharmacology.

Traditionally, dietary fat has been associated with negative effects on human health by consumers due to its high energy density. However, today it is well known that the quality of the fat ingested is more important than its quantity, and that there are natural lipophilic compounds that are essential for the correct maintenance of human physiological functions. For this reason, the negative image associated with dietary fat consumption is not fully justified. Dietary fat is a hot research area that has attracted increasing attention in the last decades. An adequate intake of dietary fats adapted to our age and physical activity, as well as an increase in the intake of beneficial fatty compounds and controlling the intake of those types of fats that have negative effects on our health, can be powerful allies in preventing the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. Through this book, the Editors have compiled the most up to date and well-documented information on many aspects of the development and application of novel dietary patterns related to fatty compounds, with special emphasis on beneficial effects. They have considered fatty nutritional requirements at different stages of life, the international guidelines and the application of new -omics techniques, such as epigenetics, nutrigenomics, metabolomics and metagenomics, related to human health. This book will be of interest to researchers in food technology and biomedicine, as well as the food industry and food distribution areas.

Large amounts of money, time and effort are devoted to sensory and consumer research in food and beverage companies in an attempt to maximize the chances of new products succeeding in the marketplace. Many new products fail due to lack of consumer interest. Answers to what causes this and what can be done about it are complex and remain unclear. This wide-ranging reference collates important information about all aspects of this in one volume for the first time. It provides comprehensive, state-of-art coverage of essential concepts, methods and applications related to the study of consumer evaluation, acceptance and adoption of new foods and beverages. Combining knowledge and expertise from multiple disciplines that study food sensory evaluation and consumer behaviour, it covers advanced methods including analytical, instrumental and human characterization of flavour, aspects of food processing and special research applications of knowledge and methods related to consumers'evaluation of new food products. Researchers and professionals working in food science and chemistry are sure to find this an interesting read.

Thousands of organisms fall under the umbrella of fungal species, many with unique properties; some innocuous, some useful and some harmful. This book covers the chemical composition and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of edible fungi. It provides updates, future trends and perspectives on edible fungi, their nutritional properties, chemical features and different biological activities ascribed to them. Linking their functional use with different food products, it details the many health related properties of edible fungi. Phenolic acids, fatty acids, macromolecules, and different terpenes and steroids are presented as compounds with health improving properties. The book also discusses current technologies for mushroom cultivation and cultural use of mushrooms around the globe. Intended for food scientists and technologists, this book offers insights into current research and developments on edible fungi and will stimulate additional research in this area. It could also be considered as a supplementary text for courses such as applied or medical mycology.

The area of research on the health benefits of berries, their bioactive compounds and their related metabolites has exploded in the last 20 years resulting in new knowledge in the understanding of their metabolism, molecular mode of action as well as their clinical significance in promoting health and preventing chronic disease. Berries and Berry Bioactive Compounds in Promoting Health, reviews state-of-the-art research findings on this exponentially growing area. This comprehensive book brings together international experts in their corresponding fields with cutting-edge reviews. Exploring the effects and mechanisms of action of berry bioactive compounds and their metabolites on different body systems and chronic diseases, including their role on gut microbiota and eventual effect on health is the focus of this book. Unique topics covered, include the chemistry and analytical methods of detection of berry bioactive compounds, bioavailability, metabolism and factors that affect them including individual variability, their interaction with the gut microbiome, and their role and mechanism(s) of action on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity-induced inflammation, and cancer as well as neuroprotection and wound healing. It will be of benefit to scientists conducting research in the area of berries and their bioactive compounds on health and disease and for health care professionals, nutritionists, dietitians and clinical researchers, nutraceutical and natural food product developers (industry) and food regulators.

The field of antioxidant research has grown rapidly over the last 30 years and shows no sign of slowing down. In order to understand how antioxidants work, it is essential to understand how their activity is measured. However, antioxidant activity measurements are controversial and their value has been challenged. This book addresses a number of the controversies on antioxidant testing methods. Specifically, the book highlights the importance of context, helping the reader to decide what methods are most appropriate for different situations, how the results can be interpreted and what information may be inferred from the data. There are a multiplicity of methods for measuring activity, with no standardized method approved for in vitro or in vivo testing. In order to select an appropriate method, a thorough knowledge of the processes associated with reduction-oxidation is essential, leading to an improved understanding and use of activity measurements and the associated data. The book presents background information, in a unique style, which is designed to assist readers to grasp the fundamentals of redox processes, as well as thermodynamics and kinetics, which are essential to later chapters. Recovery and extraction of antioxidants from diverse matrices are presented in a clear and logical fashion along with methods used to determine antioxidant activity from a mechanistic perspective. Other chapters present current methodologies used for activity testing in different sample types ranging from foods and plants, to body fluids and even to packaging, but always with a strong emphasis on the nature of the sample and the underlying chemistry of the method. A number of emerging techniques for assessing antioxidant behaviour, namely, electrochemical methods, chip technology exploiting microfluidic devices, metabolomics plus studies of gene and protein expression, are examined. Ultimately, these techniques will be involved in generation of'big data'for which an understanding of chemometrics will be essential in drawing valid conclusions. The book is written to appeal to a wide audience, but will be particularly helpful for any researchers who are attempting to make sense of the vast literature and often conflicting messages on antioxidant activity.

Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is a yellow spice of high economic importance due to its medicinal value. Cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, it is used extensively as a colouring, flavouring and preserving agent. In recent years, several drugs derived from natural products have been developed and current drug research is actively investigating the possible therapeutic roles of many Ayurvedic medicines, most notable among those being examined is turmeric. The wide range of pharmacological activities attributed to turmeric come mainly from curcuminoids and two related compounds, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This comprehensive book brings together the research carried out on constituents obtained from turmeric and highlights their chemical and biological activities. Comprising 17 chapters, each written by experts in their respective field and curated by authorities, it will be invaluable to all those who are involved in the production, processing, marketing, and the use of turmeric. Appealing to researchers and professionals in natural products, nutraceuticals and food chemists, this book is exposing some of the myths and showing areas for possible future use.

Nutrients can act as signalling molecules to initiate or mediate signalling transduction that regulates cell function and homeostasis. As such, altered nutrient status has been linked to dysregulated transcripts and protein expression, which affects mitochondrial function, autophagy, inflammation, metabolism and even gut microbiota. This book disseminates the cutting-edge knowledge pertaining to nutritional signalling activities in metabolism and metabolic derangements (e.g., obesity and diabetes), which covers the regulatory mechanisms and dietary interventions for disease prevention. This book represents current nutritional and metabolic research. From the basic (molecular science) perspective, it covers metabolomics, proteomics, nutrigenomics, nuclear receptors and transcription factors, inflammatory pathways, autophagy, mitochondrial health and gut microbiota. From the clinical (translational science) perspective, this book covers clinical trials, precision nutrition, maternal nutrition and transgenerational health, and allometric scaling of dietary bioactives in translational metabolic research. It brings to the reader in-depth understanding of the nutritional aspect, cellular and molecular biology, as well as pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes. In addition, each chapter in this book includes a component of future direction or intervention perspective, making the new knowledge transformative and translational. Aimed at researchers and professionals interested in nutrition, dietetics and metabolic disorders, this book will also appeal to health science researchers.

Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. This book is a comprehensive look at two themes in the area: technical and biological considerations. Technical considerations include an in-depth look at the process of bioactive identification and extraction and factors controlling bioactive concentrations in food. It also includes details of how these products are regulated and the steps necessary to utilize these products in human populations. Biological considerations include looking at how these products can be used in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, and a discussion on the process of formulations and how these influence bioavailability. This will be the first book to comprehensively examine the entire process of nutraceutical development from food to supplement creation and all the important considerations in between. This serves as an excellent and up-to-date reference for food scientists, food chemists, researchers in nutraceuticals and human nutrition.

This is the first book for some years that provides a comprehensive overview of food oral processing. It includes fundamental chapters at the beginning of each section to aid the understanding of the later more specific oral processing chapters. The field is rapidly developing, and the systems researched in the context of food oral processing become increasingly complex and therefore the fundamental sections include information on how to build complex food systems. The main coverage includes the biomechanics of swallowing, the biophysics of mouthfeel and texture as well as the biochemistry of flavours and how food microstructures can be manipulated. It contains up-to-date research findings, looking at consumer preferences and the response to these preferences by food process technologists and those developing new foods. The book will be of interest to postgraduate students and researchers in academia and industry who may be from very diverse backgrounds ranging from food process engineers to functional food developers and professionals concerned with swallowing and taste disorders.

Often described as ‘nature's perfect food', perceptions of egg consumption and human health have evolved substantially over the past decades, in particular dietary guidelines no longer include a limit for dietary cholesterol and recommend eggs as part of healthy eating patterns. This book presents the opportunities for processing eggs to produce value-added food, nutritional, biomedical, functional food, and nutraceutical applications. It provides new evidence around egg consumption with respect to cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, weight management, mental development, eye, muscle, and ageing health. It also highlights the new discovery regarding egg bioactives that are relevant to anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation, cardiovascular and bone health, anti-microbial and anti-viral activities. Appealing to food scientists, food chemists, researchers in human nutrition specialising in eggs and dairy nutrition, and those involved in egg production, this book is reflecting the trends and innovations in this area of research.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world but what are the health advantages or disadvantages from consuming it? This book covers how health is influenced by the consumption of coffee from protective effects and potential contributions of bioactive compounds to health to potential risks involved. Written by an international collection of contributors in the field who concentrate on coffee research, it is edited expertly to ensure quality of content, consistency and organization across the chapters. Aimed at advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers and accompanied by a sister volume covering how production and chemistry influence the quality of coffee, these titles provide an impactful and accessible guide to the current research in the field and information on the health aspects for nutritionists and other health professionals.

Globally, cereal grains are a staple part of the diet providing primarily carbohydrates and other phytochemical components. Detailed coverage of the composition and functionality of the bulk carbohydrate components, specifically starch, beta-glucans, and arabinoxylans, and the trace phytochemical components, i.e. phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, deoxyanthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins in cereal grains and grain products is provided. Considerable attention is paid to the interactions between carbohydrate and non-carbohydrate components in grains including starch–protein and starch–lipid interactions and their effects on starch digestibility. The phenolic constituents bound to grain dietary fiber also receive detailed consideration and the final chapter presents a review that discusses whole grain–gut microbiota interactions identifying new areas of research that may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms linked to human health. This book provides researchers, clinicians and students with a comprehensive compendium on aspects of whole grain components and brings the literature up to date.

Carotenoids are found in some food plants, flowers and animals, in free form and also esterified with fatty acids. Recent research has concentrated on the extent of carotenoid esters in these sources, how to assess their presence and the amount available for potential health effects. Focusing on the occurrence and assembly in foods, biosynthesis, analytical methods for identification and quantification, dietary intake and metabolism, the most recent research is represented and a balanced overview of what is known about carotenoid esters is provided. As the first book to address this topic in a comprehensive way, it ensures a better understanding of the importance of carotenoid esters to both food and health, and provides one source for researchers in food science, nutrition, natural products and the food and pharmaceutical industries. Carotenoid Esters in Foods will be a valued addition to the literature, specifically for those conducting research into carotenoids and carotenoid esters in foods. It is a unique contribution and a must-have source for those in this community.

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Evans and Bishop as an essential micronutrient for reproduction in rats. The active substance was isolated in 1936 by Evans and was named tocopherol, although the tocopherols and tocotrienols are actually a group of eight isomeric molecules that are characterized by a chromanol ring structure and a side chain. Providing an overview of the state-of-the-art of the chemistry of vitamin E, this book reflects the issues stemming from the complexity of the role and actions in vivo as well as in vitro. It summarizes information on the properties and function of vitamin E, the current understanding of the advantages and limitations of it, and also its application in promotion of health and prevention of diseases. Based on sound, solid scientific evidence, this is a timely addition to the literature as the centennial anniversary of the discovery of this important vitamin approaches.

Interest in anthocyanins has increased in the past few years, due to their potential health-promoting properties as dietary antioxidants. Previously they were known as an important class of natural colorant, orange-red to blue-violet, found in fruits such as berries and in vegetables. This book discusses ways of targeting the delivery of these compounds, through manipulation of exploitation mechanisms. It addresses all aspects from extraction of anthocyanins from natural sources, their health benefits and metabolism to specialized controlled release applications. It will serve as a unique reference for those specializing in the fate of anthocyanins in the body (pharmacokinetics) and the research related to controlled release systems. It will provide an insight for pharmaceutical scientists, food engineers, food scientists and those interested in human health and nutrition.

Polyphenols and carotenoids are abundant in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, and beverages, such as tea, cocoa and wine providing health-related benefits and antioxidant properties. Focusing on non-extractable polyphenols and carotenoids that are present in the diet, this book will improve our knowledge of dietary intakes and physiological properties ensuring a better understanding of their potential health effects. With global appeal, this will be the first book dedicated to raising the profile of this important area. Summarising the current knowledge in the field, the book will direct further research for food chemists, scientists and nutritionists looking for new perspectives.

Fluorine is best known for its role in the prevention of cavities and in improving oral and bone health however equally there are millions of people around the world suffering from dental fluorosis due to chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride in drinking water. This volume, written by leading researchers in this area, examines the positives and negatives of fluorine and its effects on humans for example fluoride-induced oxidative stress in the liver, effects of fluoride on insulin and preventing fluoride toxicity. Extremely useful for underpinning cross-disciplinary fluorine research, this book provides a fascinating insight for those with an interest in the health and nutritional sciences.

Following on from their previous volume on Chocolate as Medicine, Philip K. Wilson and W. Jeffrey Hurst edit this companion volume, Chocolate and Health, providing a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, nutrition and bioavailability of cacao and chocolate. The book begins with a brief historical introduction to the topic, outlining the current and historical medical uses of chocolate and chocolate derivatives. The remainder of the text is arranged into three sections, taking the reader through various aspects of the nutritional and health aspects of cacoa. The first section covers the cultivation, chemistry and genome analysis of cacao. The second section discusses the biochemistry and nutritional components of cacao in relation to health, covering bioavailabilty and the metabolism and metabolomics of cacao. The final section provides an overview of the potential use of chocolate in health and medical care. Each section is written and prepared by experts within each field, providing a global perspective of the current and ongoing research in this area. This text provides the reader with a complete overview of the field and is of interest to food and biomedical scientists, as well as nutritionists, medicinal chemists and anyone with an interest in chocolate.

Although toxic in large doses, selenium is an essential trace mineral in the animal diet and in some plants. It has a role in making antioxidant enzymes and a particular role in the functioning of the thyroid gland. This volume examines the chemical activity of selenium and its functional health effects eg towards cancers, in the heart and brain. It also covers other areas such as functional food enrichment, whole body metabolism, and the effects of selenium deficiency on health. Part of The Food and Nutritional Components in Focus series, this edited volume pools knowledge across scientific disciplines in a way that increases its applicability to a wide range of audiences. Victor Preedy's own distinguished career in nutritional science has made him a prolific author of research articles and books in this area, and this project fills a gap in providing comprehensive synopses of food substances. Chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, as well as course lecturers will all benefit from this interdisciplinary title written by international experts in this area.

Calcium's importance in health and disease is clear when listing its multiple roles in the body, which include building strong bones and teeth, vascular calcification, muscle function, hormonal regulation and maintaining a normal heartbeat. This book will examine these roles and will also cover areas such as chemical analysis, sources of calcium based on geography, influence of Vitamin D, hypercalcemia and the effects of dietary calcium. This edited volume will pool knowledge across scientific disciplines in a way that increases its applicability to a wide range of audiences and fills the gap identified in providing comprehensive synopses of food substances. Chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, as well as course lecturers and university librarians, will all benefit from this title.

Carnosine and anserine are two common histidine-derived dipeptides, also known as imidazole dipeptides, found in muscle and brain tissues of animals. Their dietary and nutritional significance lies in their antioxidant properties and a number of investigators are looking at other health benefits of the compounds. This volume surveys the current state of play in these and other areas of interest, including chemistry and biochemistry, immunology and cellular homeostasis. Chapters look in depth at some of the functions and effects in the body particularly with regard to exercise and fatigue, wound healing, cancer treatment and age-related diseases. Providing an up to date, interdisciplinary approach, this book is of great interest to researchers and professionals in chemistry, food science, nutrition, biochemistry, health sciences and sports sciences.

Betaine is widely distributed in plants and animals and has a role as an osmolyte and as a cofactor in methylation in liver metabolism. It has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors and enhance performance. The growing body of evidence shows that betaine is an important nutrient for the prevention of chronic disease. This volume surveys the current state of play in these and other areas of interest, including its role in one-carbon metabolism, tissue biochemistry and interactions with folate and other biomolecules. The analysis of betaines using different techniques is covered, as is the function and effects in the body. Written by an expert international team, this book provides a fascinating insight for those with an interest in the effects of betaine on health and the diet. It will appeal across disciplines but specifically to nutritional and food scientists, health professionals and researchers.

Isoflavones remain the subject of many scientific studies most of which reveal them to have some health benefits. Coverage within this book begins with an overview of phytoestrogens in health and plants with specific reference to isoflavones, how isoflavones are found in the diet and novel compounds in nuts. Expert accounts of the chemical and biochemical research on this topic are provided followed by analytical and bioanalytical assessments. Rounding up the book are the chapters on function and effects of isoflavones which provide details on isoflavones in beverages, soy and soy products and other food delivery systems and how their function effects the thyroid, menopause, prostate, breast, bone and cardiovascular disease to name but a few. Delivering high quality information, this extensive and detailed book provides a fascinating insight into this area of health and nutritional science. It will bridge scientific disciplines so that the information is more meaningful and applicable to health in general. Part of a series of books, it is specifically designed for chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, dieticians and health care workers, nutritionists, toxicologists and research academics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature it could also be suitable for lecturers and teachers in food and nutritional sciences and as a college or university library reference guide.

Dietary sugars are known to have medical implications for humans from causing dental caries to obesity. This book aims to put dietary sugars in context and includes the chemistry of several typical subclasses eg glucose, galactose and maltose. Modern techniques of analysis of the dietary sugars are covered in detail including self monitoring and uses of biosensors. The final section of the book details the function and effects of dietary sugars and includes chapters on obesity, intestinal transport, aging, liver function, diet of young children and intolerance and more. Written by an expert team and delivering high quality information, this book provides a fascinating insight into this area of health and nutritional science. It bridges scientific disciplines so that the information is more meaningful and applicable to health in general. Part of a series of books, it is specifically designed for chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, dieticians and health care workers, nutritionists, toxicologists and research academics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature it could also be suitable for lecturers and teachers in food and nutritional sciences and as a college or university library reference guide.

Caffeine is known to stimulate the central nervous system but what other functions does it have? This book covers the latest scientific knowledge in a uniquely structured format and is specifically designed to link chemistry with health and nutrition to provide a broad, appealing book. Coverage begins with caffeine in relation to nutrition focussing on beverages, then concentrates on chemistry, crystal structures of complexes in caffeine and biochemistry. In the analysis chapters, assays are conducted by LC-MS, capillary electrophoresis, automated flow methods and immunoassay methods. The effects of caffeine on the brain, cognitive performance, sleep, oxidative damage, exercise and pulmonary function are all considered in the closing section of the book. Delivering high quality information, this book will be of benefit to anyone researching this area of health and nutritional science. It will bridge scientific disciplines so that the information is more meaningful and applicable to health in general. Part of a series of books, it is specifically designed for chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, dieticians and health care workers, nutritionists, toxicologists and research academics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature it could also be suitable for lecturers and teachers in food and nutritional sciences and as a college or university library reference guide.

B Vitamins and Folate covers thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, cobalamin and folate. The book begins with an overview covering the historical context of B vitamins, disease and fortification effects. Coverage then includes chemistry, biochemistry and metabolism across the vitamins and related compounds; analysis including spectrofluorimetry, isotope dilution mass spectrometry, chromatography; and finishes with the functional effects in humans including in strokes, epilepsy, dementia and kidney disease. Written by an expert team, this book provides a fascinating insight for those with an interest in the health and nutritional sciences.

Vitamin A has an important role to play in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division, and cell differentiation. With the focus on Vitamin A and Carotenoids, this book includes the latest research in these areas and starts with an overview putting the compounds in context with other vitamins, supplementation and discussing the importance of beta-carotene. Details of the chemistry, structure and biochemistry of the compounds begins with nomenclature followed by information on encapsulation, thermal degradation and occurrence. Developments in analytical and bioanalytical techniques concerning these compounds in plant, milk and human tissue systems are covered in detail. Finally, the book covers the extensive functions and effects of Vitamin A on eg developmental growth, immune function, cancer risk, the brain and lungs as well as vision. Delivering high quality information, this book will be of benefit to anyone researching this area of health and nutritional science. It will bridge scientific disciplines so that the information is more meaningful and applicable to health in general. Part of a series of books, it is specifically designed for chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, dieticians and health care workers, nutritionists, toxicologists and research academics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature it could also be suitable for lecturers and teachers in food and nutritional sciences and as a college or university library reference guide.

In September 2009, a meeting was held in Palm Cove, Australia, which brought together the world experts in the Maillard or'browning'reaction. This reaction causes the browning of foods when they are heated and in chocolate, caramel and beer, this reaction is appetizing, contributing to aroma, taste and texture. But when these products accumulate in the body, this same process contributes to disease and ageing. The book is the proceedings of that meeting, held in response to a growing recognition of the role reactive carbonyl compounds play in food technology, nutrition and tissue ageing in biology and medicine. Reactive carbonyls now touch every aspect of food science, biology and medicine. Efforts to counteract the damage caused by these products are gaining acceptance as a basis for novel therapeutic approaches, and the fields of food technology, ageing and preventive medicine are experiencing an upsurge of interest in strategies to minimize the unwanted effects of the Maillard reaction. The meeting also fostered a balanced approach to understanding both the advantageous and deleterious properties of carbonyl compounds and their end products in food science, technology and medicine. The major audience of this book is the large body of scientists and worldwide industries with an interest in the Maillard reaction in foods and biology and medicine, with both basic and applied researchers and industry representatives from diverse fields, who have interests in: • Chemistry of the Maillard Reaction • Biology and the Maillard Reaction • Enzymology, Receptors and Signal Transduction • Bioinformatics and Systems Biology • Physiology, Disease and Therapeutics • Food Science and Nutrition and the Maillard Reaction