Journal of Nutraceuticals and Health

ABSTRACT

Nutraceuticals, a term coined from the fusion of \"nutrition\" and \"pharmaceutical,\" represent a burgeoning sector that bridges the gap between food and medicine. Essentially, these are food components or whole foods that provide nourishment and have a positive impact on the maintenance and modification of normal physiological functions, fostering overall health in individuals. Driven by current demographic trends and an increased focus on health and wellbeing, the global nutraceutical market is experiencing substantial growth. These functional foods encompass a range of categories including dietary fibres, prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and various types of natural or herbal foods. These serves as a potent beneficial tool in fighting against the commonly prevalent health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, high cholesterol and neurological disorder. Consequently, nutraceuticals are ushering in a revolutionary phase in the spheres of medicine and health, transforming the food industry into a sector marked by intensive research and innovation. This review offers an insightful analysis of various bioactive elements that function as nutraceuticals, including carotenoids, flavonoids, prebiotics, probiotics edible flowers, alkaloids, and medicinal plants, and discusses their role in promoting health advantages. It underscores the importance of adopting appropriate dietary habits and sheds light on the health complications that may arise from neglecting established patterns of healthy eating.

KEYWORDS

1. Nutraceutical
2. Herbal bioactive compounds
3. Disease prevention
4. Health promotion
5. Nutrition