Marine Products for Healthcare

Considered Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet in many areas of the world, marine organisms have been known from time immemorial to possess curative powers. But until recently, their bioactive compounds, nutraceutical properties, and commercial potential remained undiscovered. Bringing together widely scattered literature, Marine Products for Healthcare: Functional and Bioactive Nutraceutical Compounds from the Ocean discusses the importance of marine products as a source of nutraceuticals, food additives, and other useful ingredients in health protection and product formulationThe book begins with a discussion of the general characteristics of functional foods and an overview of the functionality of marine fishery products. It includes detailed discussions on nutraceutical and other functional properties of their seafood components including proteins, bioactive peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, chondroitin, carotenoids, minerals, and shell waste products. Other chapters examine the role of seaweeds as food supplements, additives, and bioactive compounds; microalgae and corals rich in nutrients, pigments, and therapeutic agents; and secondary metabolites of corals, particularly sponges, that have potential as lifesaving drugs. The book also explores recent developments in food fortification, packaging, and drug delivery systems with particular reference with marine ingredients and concludes with a delineation of the safety hazards posed by some marine products. The science of discovering health promoting compounds from marine sources and techniques for extracting and purifying these chemicals is advancing. More than just a review of the science and market base available for the development of marine nutraceutical/functional food, this book provides a greater understanding of how consumer attitude and legal concerns will impact the kind of products that can be made.