Nutraceuticals

• Nutraceuticals are food-derived products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
• They include vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and certain functional foods.
• They act by modulating physiological functions and preventing chronic diseases.
• They are known to boost immunity, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation.
• Used in preventing lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

Antioxidants

• Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing cell damage and oxidative stress.
• Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during metabolism or due to pollution.
• Antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins A, C, and E help reduce aging and cancer risk.
• Herbs rich in antioxidants include green tea, turmeric, amla, tulsi, and garlic.

Therapeutic applications:

• It is used in treatment of stroke.
• It is used in managing cancer, heart disease, anxiety and depression.
• They protect from neurodegenerative diseases.

Pro-biotics

• Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the \"good\" bacteria (normal microflora) in the body.
• Probiotics are helpful microbes taken by mouth to support the good bacteria already present in your gut.
• Found mainly in fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and fermented soy.
• Herbal sources include fermented Ayurvedic preparations and fermented garlic extract.

Therapeutic applications:

• Probiotics improve digestion, enhance immunity, and reduce gut inflammation.
• Clinically used in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and eczema.

Prebiotics

• Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• They improve gut flora composition and enhance mineral absorption.
• Found in garlic, onion, banana, and whole grains.
• Prebiotics act by fermenting in the colon and producing short-chain fatty acids.

Therapeutic applications:

• They support immunity, reduce inflammation, and aid in metabolic health.
• Used in preventing obesity, constipation, and promoting gut barrier function.

Dietary Fibres

• Dietary fibres are indigestible plant carbohydrates aiding in digestion and satiety.
• Types include soluble (e.g., pectin) and insoluble (e.g., cellulose) fibres.
• Abundant in whole grains, legumes, flaxseeds, and vegetables like carrots.
• Herbal sources include psyllium husk (isabgol) and fenugreek.

Therapeutic applications:

• Fibres regulate bowel movement, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels.
• Used in treating constipation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3s are essential polyunsaturated fats important for brain and heart health.
• They reduce inflammation, improve lipid profile, and protect neurons.
• Found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae (herbal source: spirulina).
• Especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in plant-based sources.

Therapeutic applications:

• Support cognitive development and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Used in rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer\'s prevention.

Spirulina

• Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• It contains phycocyanin (a strong antioxidant), B-vitamins, and iron.
• Acts by boosting immunity, detoxifying the body, and reducing oxidative stress.

Therapeutic applications:

• Helps improve energy levels and hemoglobin count.
• Therapeutically used in anemia, malnutrition, and fatigue management.

Carotenoids

• Carotenoids are plant pigments with antioxidant properties, especially beta-carotene.
• They convert into vitamin A, essential for vision and immunity.
• Abundant in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and marigold petals.
• Herbal sources include paprika, sea buckthorn, and amaranth leaves.

Therapeutic applications:

• They protect against UV damage and oxidative stress.
• Used in eye disorders, skin aging, and immune enhancement.

Soya

• Soya is a rich plant source of protein and isoflavones (phytoestrogens).
• Isoflavones modulate estrogen receptors and help in hormonal balance.
• Found in soybeans, tofu, soy milk, and fermented soy products.

Therapeutic applications:

• It reduces LDL cholesterol and improves bone health in postmenopausal women.
• Used in managing menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and heart diseases.

Garlic

• Garlic contains sulfur compounds like allicin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• It reduces cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, and boosts immunity.
• Acts by inhibiting lipid synthesis and enhancing nitric oxide production.

Therapeutic applications:

• Used in cardiovascular diseases, infections, and cancer prevention.
• Common in ayurvedic formulations and as a raw dietary supplement.