Nutraceuticals are products that are derived from the food sources that have extra benefits besides the basic nutritional value that are found in the foods. These products are called non-specific biological therapies that are used to promote the general well-being, prevent the malignant processes and control symptoms. The primary philosophy behind Nutraceuticals is to focus on prevention. The role of human nutrition is one of the most important areas of investigation. This has wide ranging implications for the consumers, regulators, food producers, distributors and health care providers. If you are planning to buy nutraceutical products, get it from the best nutraceutical manufacturers.
The Nutraceutical products are derived from the sources of food that provide both medicinal benefits and nutrition. The nutraceuticals are also known as Medical foods, Designer foods, Phytochemicals, Nutritional supplements, Functional Foods etc. All of these products include dietary supplements, herbal products, vitamins, diets and genetically engineered foods. These also contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds. These are derived from natural sources and have physiological benefits. These aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Nutraceuticals also include everyday foods like pre and probiotics, processed foods, fortified cereals and beverages.
This is How the Nutraceuticals Work
When your diet has good nutrients, it contributes to good health. These nutrients help in repairing your body. This also helps your body grow and function properly. If your diet does not have enough of these essential vitamins and nutrients, the nutraceuticals act as a supplement.
Nutrients are those chemical elements that make up the food. There are some nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates that provide energy while there are some others like water, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that are required for a healthy metabolism. Metabolism is a process that involves all kinds of chemical reactions that take place in the body so as to convert the food into energy. This energy is then used to synthesise the compounds that are needed by all the cells in the body. Metabolism also maintains the living state of all the organs and cells.
The pathways of metabolism also depend on the nutrients that the process breaks down. If all the nutrients are present in the right amount in your body, all the organs and the systems in the body function well. This means that your body will be able to repair and heal quickly and properly. On the other hand, if you do not have enough nutrients, then it will take longer for your body to repair or it might result in harmful complications. When this happens the nutraceuticals can also provide some extra nutrients that are needed for optimum metabolic reaction and for your body to function in the right way. The best Nutraceutical Manufacturers in India, will provide you with the best products.
Read More: What Types of Products Can a Nutraceutical Third-Party Manufacturer Produce?
Types of Nutraceuticals
The nutraceuticals are classified based on the food source, functions and bioactive components. Most of these fall under two general categories- Functional food and dietary supplements.
- Dietary Supplements
The dietary supplements are those products that contain bioactive nutrients in the concentrated form from a food source that is processed and brought into a suitable form of dosage. These supplements also contain vitamins, amino acids, vitamins, herbs or other botanicals, important metabolites, minerals and certain enzymes. The dietary supplements are available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, energy bars, gummies and other suitable forms. These products are not only diet supplements but these also help in preventing diseases.
Functional Foods
The functional foods are those foods that provide health benefits and basic nutrition. The foods that are included in this category are foods and fortified, enhanced or enriched food that improves health when these are consumed regularly as part of the varied diet. Functional foods are similar to the foods that we consume every day. These are whole grains, pasta, cereals, whole grains, snacks, yoghourt and many more.
The functional foods are of two types:
Traditional Functional Food- These are natural foods that are rich in nutrients. These deliver several health benefits other than basic nutrition. This includes omega 3 fatty acids in salmon and lycopene in tomatoes.
Non-Traditional Functional Food:
The non-traditional functional foods are the traditional foods that are prepared by adding bioactive components that help in enhancing the health and the well-being of the individual. The best examples for this include the fortified Nutraceuticals that include calcium, cereal fortified with iron, flour with some added folic acid. Some of the modified forms of the functional foods include bread, cheese, yoghurt and vinegar that is produced by Biotechnology techniques.
Benefits of Nutraceutical foods
The benefits of Nutraceutical foods include:
Prevention and Treatment of Chronic diseases
The Nutraceuticals play a very crucial role in preventing the onset of diseases. This also reduces the complications that might be involved in the process. There is certain evidence that suggests these treat certain cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer and inflammatory based diseases.
Improves eye health
Some patients who are suffering from age related macular degeneration or eye disorders, visual disorders or glaucoma also get benefitted from these products.
Improves Immunity
The Nutraceutical products also help in improving immunity. Some of these products include blueberries, green tea, Vitamin D and amino acids to strengthen and improve the immune system and thereby help in preventing diseases. There are also some herbs and plant extracts that help in the regeneration of the stem cells. Garlic has certain anti-inflammatory properties that improve the functioning of the immune system.
Improves Gut Health
There are certain Nutraceutical products like flavonoids, probiotics, omega 3, aloe vera etc. that restores and stimulates the growth of good bacteria. This also reduces the effect of harmful bacteria present in the gut. There are also some forms of Magnesium supplements that help in improving gut health.
Supports the Reproductive Health
There are several nutraceutical products that play a very important role in both the male and the female reproductive systems. These products help in male fertility and dysfunction and also prevents the damage of sperms. There are some of these products that improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women.
Some of the other benefits of Nutraceuticals include:
- Regulates the bodily functions.
- Increases Energy
- Improves the skin
- Improves overall health
- Improves sleep
- Reduces Cravings
Conclusion
The Nutraceutical products have a physiological benefit and provide protection against all the chronic diseases. These products improve health, delay the process of ageing, increase life expectancy and support the structure and the functioning of the body. These are also used to prevent and treat mental disorders. If you are interested in doing a business in the Nutraceutical products, get them from the best Nutraceuticals Third Party Manufacturers in India.
