Nutraceuticals are products that are used for both nutrition and medicine. The word “nutraceutical” is derived from “nutrition” and “pharmaceutics.” Compounds extracted from herbal products, dietary supplements (nutrients), particular diets, and processed meals such as cereals, soups, and beverages are all included in this category. It benefits the body physiologically or protects against chronic disease. They can be used to promote health, slow down the ageing process, prevent chronic diseases, extend life, and maintain the body’s structure and function. Nutraceuticals have recently attracted a lot of attention due to its potential nutritional, safety, and therapeutic benefits. Some of the most popular nutraceutical products marketed today are botanicals such as ginger, turmeric, ginseng, moringa oleifera, and Echinacea.
The global market for food supplements has grown dramatically in recent decades. Although the nutraceuticals sector began in the 1990s, the demand escalated in the first decade of the twenty-first century, with an annual growth rate of 7.3%. After witnessing a plethora of diseases and ailments in the worldwide arena, people have now realised the need of consuming nutritious foods.
Nutraceutical compounds might be used to cure or prevent diseases. Nutraceuticals have shown some promising benefits in recent trials. The focus has been on presenting herbal nutraceuticals that are beneficial in treating oxidative stress-related diseases such as allergies, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, eye, immunological, inflammatory, and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as obesity.
Diabetes and nutraceuticals
Despite the introduction of many medications for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, the global total number of individuals with diabetes is increasing due to various causes. The most studied isoflavones are soy isoflavones, which have been linked to a lower incidence and death rate of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and some malignancies. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a reduction in glucose tolerance in diabetic patients. Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is used to treat diabetic neuropathy. It also appears to be useful as a long-term dietary supplement for diabetes problems prevention. Psyllium fibres are a type of dietary fibre that can help you lose weight, control glucose levels in diabetic patients and reduce lipid levels in hyperlipidemia.
Alzheimer’s disease and nutraceuticals
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, which affects persons over the age of 65. Curcumin, lutein, lycopene, and -carotene are nutraceutical antioxidants that may have beneficial benefits on various diseases by countering oxidative stress. The assumption that nutraceuticals can delay the onset of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease is fueling the rise in nutraceutical use. Several recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of various nutraceutical plants, such as Zizyphus jujube and Lavandula officinalis, on Alzheimer’s disease, learning, and memory.
Cardiovascular diseases and nutraceuticals
For CVD prevention and treatment, nutraceuticals such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibres, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) are recommended, as well as physical activity. Polyphenols, for example, are thought to prevent artery disease through altering cellular metabolism and communication.
Flavonoids are found in a variety of foods, including onions, endives, cruciferous vegetables, grapefruits, cherries, pomegranate, berries, black grapes, and red wine, and are available as flavones, flavanones, and flavonols. They play an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Ginger contains anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it has recently been recommended for a variety of ailments, including hypertension and palpitation. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) found in fish are dietary components that alter plasma lipids and CVD, such as arrhythmias. Octacosanol, found in whole grains, fruits, and leaves of many plants, reduces cholesterol.
n3 fatty acidsIn conclusion, the majority of nutraceuticals have various therapeutic properties. Because of these health benefits, nutraceuticals may be used on a regular basis to treat or prevent risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Nutraceuticals have gotten a lot of attention recently. Nutraceuticals have received considerable interest due to their proven efficacy, safety and quality.
Because of these health benefits, nutraceuticals may be used on a regular basis to treat or prevent risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
