MUSHROOMS NUTRACEUTICALS AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS (HB 2023) Hardcover

Approximately 1.5 million fungal species exist globally, with around 14,000 capable of producing fruiting bodies known as mushrooms. Of these, about 2,000 are edible, and only 270 have recognized medicinal properties. Interestingly, fungi are genetically more closely related to humans than plants, making them potentially more beneficial to human health. This book provides an in-depth overview of the nutritional, medicinal, and pharmaceutical value of various mushroom species, highlighting their roles as nutraceuticals and functional foods that contribute to human health and well-being. It summarizes current knowledge on the global distribution of edible mushrooms, their key features, morphology, nutritional composition, and pharmacological effects. The book also explores the health benefits of mushrooms, including their antioxidant content and secondary metabolites, which have notable biological activities. It examines the potential of mushroom-based functional foods in therapeutic applications, as well as their value-added products, and includes insights into their toxicity and any known side effects. Targeting a broad readership, this resource is ideal for researchers, academics, mushroom cultivators, nutrition and health professionals, pharmaceutical and food industry experts, and anyone interested in the scientific and health-promoting aspects of mushrooms.