Active biocompounds to improve food nutritional value

Abstract Introduction Consumers demand natural products, including nutritional supplements, which require a large and continuous supply of active bioactive compounds at a reasonable price. It is for this reason that the use of agricultural by-products as a source of bioactive compounds has shown its potential in different investigations and research projects. Objectives To study and to develop extraction technologies that do not modify the bioactive properties of the bio molecules during its industrial processing or that even improves its activity. Methods Different extraction methodologies are shown. Results Extraction methods with non organic solvents have a minimum environmental impact being the best options for natural food ingredients. Fundamental and applied researches are involved in the optimization of extraction technologies and in the study and development of functional foods and nutritional supplements. Conclusions Valorization of wastes from the food industry into active biocompounds is an issue that is becoming more and more important towards the implementation of the Circular Economy, the goal of zero residues and the Clean Label in the European food industries and the health benefits in the European consumers.