Nutraceuticals and their benefits for health: A review

In the modern era, lifestyle shifts have led to poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity, contributing to declining nutritional status and immune function with age. Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from food, have gained recognition for their ability to support health, prevent disease, and strengthen the body's resistance mechanisms. Categories such as dietary fibres, probiotics, prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, and phytochemicals play a key role in addressing chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Unlike pharmaceuticals that treat diseases post-diagnosis, nutraceuticals emphasize preventive healthcare, mitigating risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles while addressing nutritional deficiencies. As global awareness grows regarding natural therapies, fitness, and holistic well-being, the demand for nutraceuticals continues to rise. This review explores their role in health promotion and disease prevention, reinforcing their significance in modern healthcare as complementary and preventive interventions.