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September 08-10, 2025 | Valencia, Spain
FAT 2025

Functional drink containing active herbal compounds to modulate the immune system and improve oxidative stress

Zahra Latifi, Speaker at Food Science Conferences
Islamic Azad University, Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Title : Functional drink containing active herbal compounds to modulate the immune system and improve oxidative stress

Abstract:

Free radicals are generated across various biological and biochemical systems within the human body, exhibiting the potential to degrade essential biomolecules and macromolecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Free radicals are regulated by a complex system of defence mechanisms that mitigate oxidative damage. However, in recent years, human lifestyles have undergone significant changes due to globalization, economic growth, and rapid advancements in science and technology. Contemporary unhealthy lifestyle factors, including the increasing prevalence of inadequate and unbalanced diets, chronic stress, exposure to harmful environmental conditions, the emergence of new diseases, excessive use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, and the widespread consumption of drugs, stimulants, and various medications, have contributed to heightened oxidative stress within the body. Consequently, this exacerbates immune system dysfunction.

The human immune system comprises multiple interrelated components that collectively play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Notably, oxidative stress is a key factor in the ageing process and the progression of various diseases. Extensive evidence suggests that specific nutritional interventions, particularly the consumption of functional foods enriched with natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, can significantly enhance immune system function while reducing oxidative stress.

Beverages serve as an effective medium for delivering essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, enhancing their bioavailability within the body. However, many commercially available beverages are of suboptimal quality and lack rigorous scientific evaluation regarding their health effects. The presence of ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, and synthetic flavouring agents has led experts in the field to discourage their regular consumption. As a result, there is a clear and pressing need within the food industry for health-oriented and functional beverages.

Global consumption trends indicate a growing preference for functional beverages due to their nutritional benefits. The development of plant-based functional beverages presents a promising approach to mitigating the adverse health effects associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, one of the key advantages of plant-based beverages is their suitability for individuals with dietary restrictions, including vegetarians and those with lactose intolerance.

I my research, through extensive experimentation on laboratory animals and human subjects, including clinical trials, a novel plant-based beverage has been developed for the first time. This product is free from sugar, fat, salt, and calories while offering significant health benefits, such as immune system modulation and oxidative stress reduction. Furthermore, it has no adverse effects or contraindications, ensuring consumer safety. From a production perspective, it represents a cost-effective and economically viable option for manufacturers. Given its health-oriented formulation, this innovative beverage serves as an attractive choice for today’s health-conscious consumers.

 

 

Biography:

Dr. Latifi earned her Master’s degree in Food Industry in 2017, after which she promptly pursued a doctoral program, completing her Ph.D in Food Technology with distinction at the Islamic Azad University, Nur Branch, in 2022.

For two years, she worked as a researcher at the Centre for Immunogenetics Research of Professor Saeed Abedini Kenari and also at the Pasteur Institute of of North (Amol) alongside Dr. Mehrab Nasiri Kenari.

She joined the Elite Foundation in 2019, and in 2022, she was recognized as the foremost scientific elite in the country within the field of the food industry, achieving distinction across all three domains: education, research, and culture. she has  conducted extensive research in  food formulation and micronutrients.

In addition to conducting new research projects, she Currently, serves as a university Lecturer.

She has presented papers at many international conferences and published more than hundreds of articles in different journals. Her scientific output so far includes the publication of 38 books and hundreds of articles in the field of food science and technology.

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