Chilean Endemic/Native Plant Resources as Functional and Superfoods

The current consumer demand for foods or food supplements with "super properties" is being covered by previously under-exploited ethnic products. The endemic flora from multiple continents serve as source of plant foods such as cereals or tropical fruits. Chile, one of the top five plant biodiversity hotspots on the planet, is a promising source of functional foods with little scientific and commercial research. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the findings related to the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of native/endemic plants and plant-derived compounds from Chile. Resources of these compounds may be found in honey, bee pollen, and berry-like fruits. These products, unknown to many parts outside the country, not only have the advantage of their functional properties but also possess denomination of origin, which gives added value and allows them to be used as food additives such as natural colorants, antioxidants, antibacterials, and antifungals. In the coming years, many of these products will be more commercially known and many of these plant species will be selected and improved, as have happened with products such as tofu or blueberries.