Blue Mood for Superfood

Abstract

The term superfood refers to food with high levels of either nutrient or bioactive phytochemicals with human health benefits. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants that provide their color, flavor and odor. Phenolic compounds form the major constituents of phytochemicals. Plant traits in phytochemical production are tightly bound with the genome while modified markedly by the environmental conditions. Here, we studied the effect of supplemented blue light on the production of several phenolics in the leaves of tomato, basil and parsley, which are widely cultivated food plant species. The results indicated doubled or higher increases in the accumulation of several species-specific phenolic acids or flavonoids. In conclusion, we showed for the first time, that supplemented blue light results in high yield improvement of phytochemicals related to superfood products.

Targeted use of LEDs in improvement of production efficiency through phytochemical enrichment

“…29 However, according to our special observation no cool temperatures are needed to boost the above-mentioned phytochemical production in certain species, and only enhanced blue light is required. 24 Besides saving energy through electricity usage and luminous efficiency, we emphasise that targeted use of LEDs saves all the production costs from, for example, growing area to nutrient use, and transport, in accordance with our previous investigation. 24 The same amount of desired phytochemicals can be produced by less plant biomass if supplemental blue light is supplied in order to increase concentration of phytochemicals.…”

“…Consistently we showed recently that by using LEDs it is possible to concentrate certain phytochemicals; doubled or even higher concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids, i.e. superfood‐related compounds are found in response to supplemental blue light (400–500 nm) . These compounds were previously related to aromatic arctic compounds, typically, for example, bilberry and lingonberry, which are synthesised in polar summer conditions characterised by cool weather and continuous light over days and nights .…”

“…superfood-related compounds are found in response to supplemental blue light (400-500 nm). 24 These compounds were previously related to aromatic arctic compounds, typically, for example, bilberry and lingonberry, which are synthesised in polar summer conditions characterised by cool weather and continuous light over days and nights. 29 However, according to our special observation no cool temperatures are needed to boost the above-mentioned phytochemical production in certain species, and only enhanced blue light is required.…”

Light signaling and plant responses to blue and UV radiations—Perspectives for applications in horticulture

“…The concentration of chlorogenic acid, a compound which decreases the risk of diabetes type 2, highly increases in tomato and basil under supplemental blue light (Taulavuori et al, 2013). Favourable effects of light quality on human health can also consist of decreased levels of unwanted components such as oxalate or nitrate, which decrease when plants are exposed to blue light (Table 1).…”

“…Recently, a new type of lighting, based on LEDs, appeared on the market. These lamps consume little electrical energy (20-30% of the electricity of HPS lamps) (Taulavuori et al, 2013), with a good light output and offer the possibility of a precise spectral band (van Ieperen, 2012). Thus the use of LEDs makes it possible to modulate the wavelengths implied in photosynthesis and the photomorphogenesis, such as B and R (B light is seldom applied alone) or in plant health such as UV.…”