Edible flowers as a health promoter: An evidence-based review

Article Subjects > Biomedicine Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Articles and books Cerrado Inglés The consumption of edible flowers has increased in recent years because of their wide use in gastronomy as a decorative element or as an ingredient in dishes. In addition to influencing texture, taste or appearance, flowers are rich in bioactive compounds. Scope and approach This review focuses on the composition and nutritional features of edible flowers and their extracts, and their health benefits related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity, in addition to their hepatoprotective and microbicidal effects. The mechanisms though which some of them exert their effects and the specific compounds associated with these effects have also been addressed. Key findings and conclusions Edible flowers have a high content in phenolic compounds and a high antioxidant capacity, property that confers positive effects on oxidative stress-related diseases. Some extracts based on edible flowers exert hepato-, neuro- or cardioprotective actions. Anticancer properties, improvements in metabolic disorders and microbiocidal effects even in multidrug-resistant bacteria have also been attributed to some edible flowers or their extracts. Most of the studies have been performed in vitro, so further assays in in vivo models are needed. Additionally, it would be important to elucidate the mechanisms by which these observed effects are performed. In conclusion, edible flowers could be used as a new approach for the development of nutraceutical products or functional foods. metadata Rivas-García, Lorenzo and Navarro-Hortal, María D. and Romero-Márquez, José M. and Forbes-Hernández, Tamara Y. and Varela-López, Alfonso and Llopis, Juan and Sánchez-González, Cristina and Quiles, José L. mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es (2020) Edible flowers as a health promoter: An evidence-based review. Trends in Food Science & Technology. ISSN 0924-2244

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Abstract

The consumption of edible flowers has increased in recent years because of their wide use in gastronomy as a decorative element or as an ingredient in dishes. In addition to influencing texture, taste or appearance, flowers are rich in bioactive compounds. Scope and approach This review focuses on the composition and nutritional features of edible flowers and their extracts, and their health benefits related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity, in addition to their hepatoprotective and microbicidal effects. The mechanisms though which some of them exert their effects and the specific compounds associated with these effects have also been addressed. Key findings and conclusions Edible flowers have a high content in phenolic compounds and a high antioxidant capacity, property that confers positive effects on oxidative stress-related diseases. Some extracts based on edible flowers exert hepato-, neuro- or cardioprotective actions. Anticancer properties, improvements in metabolic disorders and microbiocidal effects even in multidrug-resistant bacteria have also been attributed to some edible flowers or their extracts. Most of the studies have been performed in vitro, so further assays in in vivo models are needed. Additionally, it would be important to elucidate the mechanisms by which these observed effects are performed. In conclusion, edible flowers could be used as a new approach for the development of nutraceutical products or functional foods.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Cancer; Cardioprotective; Diabetes; Neuroprotective; Nutrition; Obesity.
Subjects: Subjects > Biomedicine
Divisions: Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Articles and books
SWORD Depositor: Users 0 not found.
Date Deposited: 01 Jun 2021 23:55
Last Modified: 16 Jun 2023 23:30
URI: https://repositorio.uneatlantico.es/id/eprint/127

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  • Rivas-García, Lorenzo and Navarro-Hortal, María D. and Romero-Márquez, José M. and Forbes-Hernández, Tamara Y. and Varela-López, Alfonso and Llopis, Juan and Sánchez-González, Cristina and Quiles, José L. Edible flowers as a health promoter: An evidence-based review. (deposited 01 Jun 2021 23:55) [Currently Displayed]

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