Nutraceutical products can be thought of as non-specific biological treatments that are intended to prevent cancerous processes, manage symptoms, and enhance overall health.
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The terms “nutrient,” which refers to a nutritious dietary ingredient, and “pharmaceutical,” which refers to a medicinal treatment, are combined to form the phrase “nutraceutical.” Stephen DeFelice, the founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, an American organization based in Cranford, New Jersey, came up with the term in 1989.
Nutraceuticals are based on the idea of prevention, as expressed by the proverb “let food be your medicine,” attributed to the Greek physician Hippocrates, who is regarded as the founder of medicine. One of the most crucial areas of research is their function in human nutrition, which has broad ramifications for food producers, distributors, regulators, consumers, and healthcare professionals.
Classifications of Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals and items connected to them are defined differently depending on the source. These goods can be categorized according to their chemical makeup, pharmacological circumstances, and natural sources. Nutraceuticals are often classified into four groups: pharmaceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements, and medical foods.
A dietary supplement is a concentrated food product that comes in liquid, tablet, capsule, or powder form. It includes nutrients that are obtained from food sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States regulates dietary supplements as foods, although their regulations are not the same as those pertaining to medications and other food items.
The widely recognized definition of functional food comprises whole foods, fortified foods, and enriched or improved dietary components that offer health benefits beyond their conventional nutritional content and may lower the risk of chronic illness.
Under the guidance of a licensed doctor, medical food is prepared for internal consumption or administration. Its intended purpose is the specialized dietary treatment of a sickness or condition for which the medical evaluation establishes unique nutritional requirements based on accepted scientific principles.
Farmaceuticals are substances of medicinal value derived from genetically altered crops or animals. The name comes from combining the terms “pharmaceuticals” and “farm.” The idea’s proponents are certain that using plants—and maybe even animals—as pharmaceutical factories is far more economical than traditional techniques, generating more income for farmers.
Possible health advantages
Nutraceuticals have garnered a lot of attention in recent years because of its possible benefits in terms of nutrition, safety, and therapy. Numerous biological processes, including as antioxidant defenses, cell proliferation, gene expression, and maintaining mitochondrial integrity, may be impacted by these products.
Nutraceuticals can therefore be used to maintain the integrity and functioning of the body as well as enhance health, prevent chronic illnesses, delay the aging process, and ultimately lengthen life expectancy. These goods are regarded as safe resources for averting serious illnesses including diabetes, kidney, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as various infections.
Numerous nutraceuticals have been demonstrated to have important roles in immune function and susceptibility to specific disease states. Moreover, oxidative stress-related disease-modifying indications linked to nutraceuticals include obesity, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, eye disorders, and Parkinson’s diseases.
The Functions of Nutraceuticals
A nutritious diet helps you stay healthy by giving your body the building blocks it needs to develop, heal, and operate properly. Nutraceuticals might function as a supplement if your diet is deficient in these vital minerals and vitamins.
Metabolism, Nutraceuticals, and Nutrients
The chemical components that make up food are called nutrients. While certain nutrients—like vitamins, water, electrolytes, and minerals—are necessary for a healthy metabolism, other nutrients—like proteins, carbs, and fats—provide energy.
The chemical processes that occur in the body during metabolism turn the food we eat into energy, which is then utilized to create the molecules that are required by every cell in the body. All cells and organs remain living because of metabolism.
The nutrients that are broken down during the process determine the routes of metabolism. All of the organs and systems in our body operate properly if the proper amount of nutrients are available. This implies that your body is capable of rapid and effective healing or restoration.
However, insufficient nutritional intake causes your body to heal more slowly or may result in dangerous consequences. Nutraceuticals can then offer the additional nutrients required for the best possible metabolic response and for your body to operate normally.