Nutraceuticals are products that are made from natural food sources and provide nutritional and medicinal benefits. Moreover, they also assist in multiple biological processes and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorder.
Princy A. J |
April 07, 2022
A proper wholesome diet with fruits and vegetables along with an adequate combination of macronutrients is essential for an optimal health level. However, in many situations, one doesn’t always get enough of these vital nutrients and could suffer from oxidative stress which can lead to bigger health issues. Research activities in nutrition are enhancing continuously for discoveries, nutraceuticals being one such innovation.
As per Research Dive’s detailed report, the global nutraceuticals market is predicted to generate a revenue of $516.5 billion in the 2021-2028 forecast timeframe and grow at a stable CAGR of 7.60%. Considering this immense growth rate, it seems crucial to understand the basics of nutraceuticals and what health benefits and/or side effects they offer. So, let’s dive right into the blog.
What are Nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are products that are derived from natural ingredients that offer both nutritional as well as medicinal benefits. There are multiple types of nutraceuticals like dietary supplements that include energy bars or pills, drinks, protein powders, herbal products, gummies, and functional foods. Besides functional foods, nutraceuticals are also known by other terms like designer foods, medical foods, nutritional supplements, and phytochemicals. These products also consist of bioactive compounds and include everyday foods like probiotics, processed foods, fortified cereals, and beverages that effectively help in the prevention and treatment of diseases.
What Health Benefits Do Nutraceuticals Offer?
It is evident that nutraceuticals have gained great attraction due to their therapeutic, safety, and nutritional effects and play a vital role in numerous biological processes like cell proliferation, gene expression, antioxidant defenses, and maintaining mitochondrial integrity. In addition, these products are also used to improve health, postpone the ageing process, prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and gastrointestinal disorder, support other functions and maintain the integrity of our body. Moreover, nutraceuticals also possess disease-modifying properties for preventing oxidative stress and allergies, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. Parkinson’s disease, and eye problems. Furthermore, natural nutraceuticals like Valeria roots and minerals like magnesium are believed to improve sleeping patterns, whereas vitamins like vitamin D improve our mood and vitamin B prevent increased risks of depression and anxiety.
Do Nutraceuticals Also Have Any Side Effects?
As anything excess is not good for our body, overdosage of nutraceuticals and multivitamins and combining unprescribed nutraceuticals with fortified products in your diet might cause some problems. Some possible side effects of nutraceuticals are mentioned below.
- Dizziness and birth problems
- Headache
- Digestion issues
- Elevated blood pressure
Final Word
The nutraceutical market has definitely proven to enhance health, improve mood and sleep patterns, and prevent greater risks of anxiety and depression, however, it might cause some side effects to those who suffer from heart problems, are already on medications or have certain allergies. One must consider consulting a physician before including these products in their daily diet.
