Food Sources of Bioactive Peptides

Abstract

The objective of this review was to elucidate the various plant and animal food sources from which bioactive peptides could be obtained and link their structural composition with health-promoting ability. Literature was reviewed for plant sources of bioactive peptides (BAPs) such as legumes/pulses, oilseed protein meals, cereal grains, roots and tubers. Animal sources of BAPs reviewed included beef, milk and milk products, hen eggs and insects as well as their by-products. Both plant and animal sources of BAPs showed multifunctional bioactivities that could help in the prevention, amelioration and management of human chronic disease conditions. Some of the bioactivities exhibited by the BAPs included their ability to act as antioxidants, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, appetite suppression, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, antiobesity, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, opioid, antithrombotic, mineral-binding and neuromodulatory agents. The review also includes the mechanisms of action of the BAPs and their potential to be used for the development of novel health-promoting functional foods and nutraceuticals.