Assessement of the Biological Effects of Food waste

Abstract

Food waste represents a major environmental and health challenge worldwide. It leads to the loss of natural resources and contributes to environmental pollution. However, food waste also contains valuable bioactive compounds with important biological activities. This work aims to assess the biological effects of food waste by studying its composition, beneficial effects, adverse impacts, and valorization methods. Food waste contains compounds such as phenolics, carotenoids, vitamins, and antioxidants that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health-promoting properties. Conversely, improper management of food waste may cause microbial contamination, toxin production, and environmental pollution. Sustainable management strategies, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and bioenergy production, can reduce environmental impacts and convert food waste into valuable products. Therefore, food waste should be considered both an environmental issue and a potential biological resource.