The Health Effects Of Bioactive Plant Components In Food: Results And Opinions Of The Eu Cost 926 Action

COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research) Action 926 is a networking partnership funded by the European Union through the European Science Foundation. Scientists involved have evaluated whether or not the new 'omic' technologies can offer a means of obtaining the scientific evidence to underpin the established consensus that increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products is beneficial to human health. The effects of processing on the bioavailability of bioactive components in food have also been reviewed in this paper and recommendations made to ensure that maximum benefit is obtained from the diet.