Phytochemicals as Bioactive Agents focuses on the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals identified as displaying bioactivity in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and other diseases, and the prospects for developing functional foods containing these bioactive compounds. An internationally recognized group of experts presents the latest research findings on the antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects of tea and tea constituents; chemoprevention provided by plants in the family Cruciferae and genus Allium by altering carcinogen metabolism; anticarcinogenic effects of carotenoids and curcumins; the chemistry and application of alfalfa saponins; the bioactive components of rice bran and rice oil; the effects of garlic on lowering serum cholesterol; and using phytochemicals to optimize gastrointestinal tract health and function. Also included are chapters on: strategies to identify bioactive phytochemicals in foods; the design, conduct and interpretation of clinical trials to test phytochemicals for expected bioactivity; compounds that have potential use as phytochemical antimicrobial agents (PAM) in food processing; and designing bioactive functional foods. This book will be of interest to food scientists and technologists, food process engineers, biochemists, nutritionists, public health professionals, and entrepreneurs involved in the design, processing, and marketing of new functional food products.