This book demonstrates how imaging techniques, applying different frequency bands from the electromagnetic spectrum, are used in scientific research. Illustrated with numerous examples this book is structured according to the different radiation bands: From Gamma-rays over UV and IR to radio frequencies. In order to ensure a clear understanding of the processing methodologies, the text is enriched with descriptions of how digital images are formed, acquired, processed and how to extract information from them. A special emphasis is given to the application of imaging techniques in food and agriculture research.

This book provides a broad-based foundation of knowledge about brown rice, including the latest information on health benefits and disease prevention resulting from consumption of brown rice, and information on consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards brown rice. It is the first book of its kind to provide a comprehensive review of current brown rice science and technology, regulatory/policy issues, dietary intake, consumer interest and health promotion. The edited volume focuses on the latest developments in breeding varieties for high quality brown rice, varietal variations, defects, milling, cooking quality, eating quality, post-harvest management and methods to improve shelf life. Contributing authors address the physical, chemical, engineering, nutritional and glycemic qualities of brown rice in different chapters. Authors also discuss the physiological functions of brown rice in vivo and radical scavenging activity, emphasizing their importance to growers, technologists and consumers, and providing insight into future advances. This comprehensive collection benefits scientists, nutritionists, dieticians, diabetic educators, and professionals in the food industry. The information covered is valuable for food scientists and technologists working to develop new brown rice products and enhancing the taste, quality, and health profile of brown rice.

Plant Extracts in Food Applications is the first book of its kind focusing on the application of plant extracts in the food industry. Topics cover sources, extraction and encapsulation techniques, the chemistry and stability of plant extracts, antimicrobials, preservatives, nutrient enhancers, enzymes, flavoring and coloring agents, packaging aid, health benefits, opportunities and the challenges surrounding the use of plant extracts in food applications. Written by several experts in the field, this book is a valuable resource for students, scientists, and professionals in food science, food chemistry and nutrition. Concerns and potential risks regarding the use of synthetic chemicals have renewed the interests of consumers using natural and safe alternatives. Plant extracts represent an interesting ingredient, mainly due to their natural origin and phytochemical properties, allowing for obtaining active materials to extend shelf-life and add value to the product.

Whole grains play an important role in healthy diets, due to their potential role in minimizing the risk factors for several diseases. Thus the need for a comprehensive work that addresses all aspects of whole grain technology including processing, product development and nutrition values. This book covers the technological, nutritional and product development aspects of all whole grains including wheat, rice, barley, rye, sorghum, millet, maize, and oats among others. The book will review and summarize current knowledge in whole grains with the intent of being helpful to the food industry in the development of high-quality whole grain products. Key Features: Covers the technology for whole grain processing Promotes the utilization of whole grain products Provides the information about the nutritional components of whole grains Explores the health benefits of whole grains Presents the latest trends and safety concerns of whole grains The chapters include amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, maize, millets, oats, quinoa, rye, sorghum, and wheat. In addition, current trends in processing technology and product development for whole grains are explained in detail in a separate chapter. The last chapter deals with the food safety management of whole grains. Contributions from global experts in this field make this book a key reference material for all aspects of whole grains. This book is suitable for students, scientists, and professionals in food science, food engineering, food technology, food processing, product development, food marketing, nutrition and other health sciences.

Regular consumption of plant-based protein foods instead of animal-based protein foods reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers. Apart from human health, the adverse effects to the environment due to the production of protein is much higher for animal sources than plant sources. Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of one pound of lamb meat, for example, are thirty times higher than one pound of lentils. As consumers are increasingly aware of personal health and environmental impact of food production, the demand for plant protein foods is increasing globally. This trend has prompted several large-scale collaborative research projects on plant-based protein products supported by the industry and governmental agencies. Several established multinational meat companies have started adding plant-protein product lines to meet the current demand. This book presents the first comprehensive compilation of literature on plant-based protein foods. Chapters cover protein extraction technologies from plants, comparison of amino acid profiles of plant- and animal-based proteins, approaches to product development for plant-based protein products, health benefits of plant-based protein foods, market opportunities, and future challenges. Plant Protein Foods is an essential reference for consumers, students, researchers, food manufacturers and other stakeholders interested in this domain.

This book demonstrates how imaging techniques, applying different frequency bands from the electromagnetic spectrum, are used in scientific research. Illustrated with numerous examples this book is structured according to the different radiation bands: From Gamma-rays over UV and IR to radio frequencies. In order to ensure a clear understanding of the processing methodologies, the text is enriched with descriptions of how digital images are formed, acquired, processed and how to extract information from them. A special emphasis is given to the application of imaging techniques in food and agriculture research.

Medicinal herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and are able to synthesize secondary metabolites with disease preventive properties. It is due to these qualities that herbs have been used throughout history for flavouring and in food, medicine and perfumery preparations. They are also often considered to be safe alternatives to modern medicines because of their healing properties. Though interest in medicinal and aromatic crops is growing worldwide, there is still little focus on the area of leafy medicinal herbs. This book compiles the literature for 23 globally relevant leafy medicinal herbs. Beginning with a general overview and discussion of the importance of these plants, it then handles each herb by chapter. Chapters discuss the botany of the crop, including its history and origin, geographical distribution and morphology, before focusing on the chemical composition and phytochemical attributes. They then review postharvest technology aspects such as processing and value addition, before concluding with the general and pharmacological uses for each crop. A complete compilation of the subject, this book forms a vital resource for researchers, students, farmers and industrialists in the area of leafy medicinal herbs.

Regular consumption of plant-based protein foods instead of animal-based protein foods reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers. Apart from human health, the adverse effects to the environment due to the production of protein is much higher for animal sources than plant sources. Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of one pound of lamb meat, for example, are thirty times higher than one pound of lentils. As consumers are increasingly aware of personal health and environmental impact of food production, the demand for plant protein foods is increasing globally. This trend has prompted several large-scale collaborative research projects on plant-based protein products supported by the industry and governmental agencies. Several established multinational meat companies have started adding plant-protein product lines to meet the current demand. This book presents the first comprehensive compilation of literature on plant-based protein foods. Chapters cover protein extraction technologies from plants, comparison of amino acid profiles of plant- and animal-based proteins, approaches to product development for plant-based protein products, health benefits of plant-based protein foods, market opportunities, and future challenges. Plant Protein Foods is an essential reference for consumers, students, researchers, food manufacturers and other stakeholders interested in this domain.