Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals (/njuːtrəˈsjuːtɪkəlz/), a term combining the words "nutrition" and "pharmaceuticals", is a broad umbrella term that is used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. They can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.

The term "nutraceutical" was coined in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, an American organization located in Cranford, New Jersey.

Etymology

The term "nutraceutical" is a portmanteau of the words "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical", coined by Stephen DeFelice in 1989. It is applied to products that range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and herbal products, specific diets and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages.

Related Terms

• Dietary Supplements: These are products intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids, that may be missing or may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in a person's diet.

• Functional Foods: These are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. They promote optimal health and help reduce the risk of disease.

• Phytochemicals: These are chemical compounds produced by plants. They are generally involved in the normal metabolic functions of plants, but are not required by the human body for maintaining health.

• Antioxidants: These are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

• Probiotics: These are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.

• Prebiotics: These are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut.

• Vitamins: These are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally.

• Minerals: These are elements in the earth and in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally.

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.