The aim of my project is to provide evidence on the protective role of bioactive-rich foods and dietary patterns in the context of sustainable diets. Specific aims will be the evaluation of the actual bioavailability of food bioactives, their potential biological effects and their role in the promotion of health-related markers (e.g. oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial and vascular functions, metabolic activity) in specific target groups of population (e.g. older subjects and those with cardiovascular/metabolic risks). In addition, the obtained results will be considered for the development of dietary patterns able to respond to health and sustainability needs in the context of climate change. This will be performed though the exploitation of comprehensive nutritional evaluations (e.g. in terms of nutrients and food bioactives) and possible in vivo validation of the most promising patterns.