Plant-based functional foods for healthy aging: current trends, bioactive compounds, and future perspectives

Plant-based functional foods are gaining recognition for promoting healthy aging, enhancing skin and cognitive health, and addressing modern dietary needs through bioactive compounds. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, these foods help prevent chronic diseases, improve digestive health, and support overall wellness. Consumer interest is driven by growing health awareness and personalized nutrition goals. Key plant-derived ingredients such as phenolic compounds, dietary fibers, plant proteins, phytosterols, and omega-3 fatty acids confer diverse functional benefits. Bioactive compounds with anti-aging potential such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and probiotics, have been shown to support skin integrity and cognitive function. However, challenges such as sensory acceptance, nutrient bioavailability, and regulatory barrier remain. This review examines current consumer trends, key bioactive ingredients, and technological advancements in plant-based functional foods. It emphasizes the need for continued research to enhance efficacy and acceptance, highlights their potential as essential contributors to sustainable health and future nutrition strategies. Key aspects of plant-based functional foods, highlighting their role in nutrition, metabolism, immunity, muscle growth, antioxidant protection, and technological advancements in food production. These components contribute to overall health and sustainability, supporting the growing demand for plant-derived functional ingredients. • The rise of plant-based functional foods is driven by health and sustainability trends. • Probiotics, fibers and polyphenols enhance metabolic, immune, and gut health functions. • The gut microbiome modulates the gut-brain and gut-skin axes in functional nutrition. • Advanced processing techniques improve bioavailability and stability of bioactive.