The demand for functional foods has increased due to the significance of bioactive compounds for improving health and preventing illnesses. Among the diverse sources of bioactives, fungal metabolites have emerged as promising contributors. This chapter explores the significant potentials of fungal metabolites, including polysaccharides, peptides, and secondary metabolites, in the development of functional foods. Fungi exhibit remarkable biochemical diversity, allowing for the synthesis of unique compounds having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Addition of these metabolites in food systems can increase the nutritional value along with their sensory qualities and shelf life. Additionally, improvements in biotechnological techniques, such as genetic engineering and fermentation, have made it possible to optimize fungal strains for the synthesis of particular metabolites. To address concerns about health including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses, the food and beverages company can create innovative functional foods by utilizing the natural ingredients. This chapter underscores the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of fungal metabolites and their potential integration into consumer products, laying the foundations for a new era in functional food development.

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Role of Fungal Metabolites in the Development of Functional Foods

  • R. Preethi,
  • J. Arunkumar,
  • N. Unnamalai,
  • Sayantani Dutta

摘要

The demand for functional foods has increased due to the significance of bioactive compounds for improving health and preventing illnesses. Among the diverse sources of bioactives, fungal metabolites have emerged as promising contributors. This chapter explores the significant potentials of fungal metabolites, including polysaccharides, peptides, and secondary metabolites, in the development of functional foods. Fungi exhibit remarkable biochemical diversity, allowing for the synthesis of unique compounds having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Addition of these metabolites in food systems can increase the nutritional value along with their sensory qualities and shelf life. Additionally, improvements in biotechnological techniques, such as genetic engineering and fermentation, have made it possible to optimize fungal strains for the synthesis of particular metabolites. To address concerns about health including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses, the food and beverages company can create innovative functional foods by utilizing the natural ingredients. This chapter underscores the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action of fungal metabolites and their potential integration into consumer products, laying the foundations for a new era in functional food development.