A famous quote by Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine, reads “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. This saying aptly describes the relationship between appropriate foods and health and their therapeutic benefits. Our lifestyles have changed drastically over the last few decades. The changing work cultures have forced people into a fast-eating culture, but have decreased the quantity and quality in nutrients. Hence, we have been witnessing increased incidence of chronic and other degenerative diseases.

Consumers today, are deeply concerned about how their health care is administered and priced. With people increasingly being frustrated with modern medicine, complementary or alternative beneficial products are on the rise. And among them, nutraceuticals seem to be particularly appealing. 

What are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals, derived from “nutrition” and “pharmaceutics,” denote products that are derived from food sources and it contains extra health benefits over the basic nutritional value found in foods. The term was coined by Stephen DeFelice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine in 1989. In simpler terms, these are products that are used as medicines in addition to delivering a nutrition value. 

Nutraceuticals are generally sold in medicinal forms not usually associated with food. Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy or even support bodily structure or function. In contrast to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals usually do not have patent protection. Both these categories of compounds may be used to cure or prevent diseases, but only pharmaceuticals have governmental sanction. 

Potential Health Benefits of Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical products are recognized not only for their health benefits such as to reduce the risk of cancer, heart diseases and other related ailments, but also to prevent or treat hypertension, high cholesterol, excessive weight, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, macular degeneration, cataracts, menopausal symptoms, insomnia, diminished memory and concentration, digestive upsets and constipation. 

Nutraceuticals have also found considerable trust in treating headaches and migraines resulting from stress. Other related nutraceutical products are touted as cures for thinning hair, lack of confidence, poor complexion, varicose veins, alcoholism, depression, and lethargy.

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, herbs, nuts and seeds contain an abundance of compounds, pigments, and other natural antioxidants aid in the treatment of the above mentioned conditions. Similarly, herbs like garlic, soybean, cabbage, ginger, etc. are used commonly for the treatment of cancer. Citrus fruits provide plenty of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and soluble fibres, also believed to prevent cancers. Garlic powder preparation also helps in reducing mild hypertension.

Other popular nutraceuticals include ginseng, green tea, glucosamine, Echinacea, omega-3, lutein, folic acid, and cod liver oil. Majority of these substances possess multiple therapeutic properties.

The Rise of Nutraceuticals

Due to a considerable interest due to potential nutritional, relative safety and therapeutic benefits, the worldwide nutraceuticals market is expanding at a rapid pace. With rapidly increasing interest in the nutraceutical consumption, substantial researches are being done to fully understand the advantages of these natural substances.

The demand for Nutraceuticals is on a surge and StayHappi provides these products as well. Preventing diseases is as important as treating them. For overall wellness, it is imperative that we take the right nutrition, which gives us strength to combat any ailment. For more information on how we provide these supplements with health benefits, visit our website StayHappi Pharmacy today.