About this Research Topic
Plant-based diets have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits and positive environmental impact, emerging as a key strategy for improving human health and mitigating environmental challenges. Metabolomics, a powerful analytical approach, provides an in-depth exploration of the bioactive compounds present in plant-based foods and their effects on human health. In addition, it has been proven to present a robust link with other -omics technologies, paving the road to achieve a high-throughput perspective about the nutritional and sustainable outcome of plant-based diets.
In this Research Topic, we aim to explore the metabolic profiles of various plant-based foods, elucidate their health-promoting properties, and highlight the sustainability implications regarding productive systems. We propose a heterogenous frame covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Metabolomic Profiling of plant-based foods using advanced mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.
• Identification of nutritional biomarkers in plant-based foods, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytochemicals that contribute to health benefits.
• Evaluation of crucial factors modulating plant-based food composition: effect of genotype, cultivation methods, and geographical origin.
• Bioactivity assessment of metabolites: determination of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, cytotoxic evaluation, and enzymatic activity modulation.
• Highlight metabolites associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer).
• Assessment of the environmental impact of plant-based food production using life cycle assessments.
• Novel strategies for optimizing sustainability while meeting nutritional needs.
We trust this proposed collection will bridge the gap between -omics research and the promotion of plant-based diets. By understanding the metabolomic fingerprints of plant-based foods, we can enhance human health and contribute to a more sustainable food system. We warmly invite contributions from experts in metabolomics, nutrition, and related sectors to advance our understanding of plant-based foods in health and sustainability.
In this Research Topic, we aim to explore the metabolic profiles of various plant-based foods, elucidate their health-promoting properties, and highlight the sustainability implications regarding productive systems. We propose a heterogenous frame covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Metabolomic Profiling of plant-based foods using advanced mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.
• Identification of nutritional biomarkers in plant-based foods, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytochemicals that contribute to health benefits.
• Evaluation of crucial factors modulating plant-based food composition: effect of genotype, cultivation methods, and geographical origin.
• Bioactivity assessment of metabolites: determination of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, cytotoxic evaluation, and enzymatic activity modulation.
• Highlight metabolites associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer).
• Assessment of the environmental impact of plant-based food production using life cycle assessments.
• Novel strategies for optimizing sustainability while meeting nutritional needs.
We trust this proposed collection will bridge the gap between -omics research and the promotion of plant-based diets. By understanding the metabolomic fingerprints of plant-based foods, we can enhance human health and contribute to a more sustainable food system. We warmly invite contributions from experts in metabolomics, nutrition, and related sectors to advance our understanding of plant-based foods in health and sustainability.
Keywords: Plant-Based Food, Metabolomics, Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Biomarkers, Sustainability
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
