Health benefits of traditional foods
Political and economic conditions in the BSA have resulted in the persistence of local food knowledge. Traditional foods are an untapped source of bioactive compounds that could have a positive effect on human health. The 'Sustainable exploitation of bioactive components from the Black Sea area traditional foods' (BASEFOOD) project catalogued and investigated a wide range of traditional BSA foods. The study covered Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Representative samples for each type of food and from each region were chosen, prepared and sampled for laboratory analysis. The final 33 samples were studied for nutritional value, microbiological characteristics and potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects or activity against cardiovascular disease. Various raw vegetable ingredients were also tested for anti- or pro-microbial effects, as well as their effect on the immune system. Several plants, such as nettle, dill and mountain tea, showed potential for positive health effects. BASEFOOD has provided background data to support the health claims of the traditional food sector in the BSA. The findings should also help to promote cooperation between researchers and small businesses, and to encourage sustainable economic development.