Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that are purported to provide extra health benefits, in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. Depending on the jurisdiction, products may claim to prevent chronic diseases, improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body. They are often concentrated in liquid, capsule, powder or pill form. Although dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA as foods, their regulation differs from drugs and other foods.

Potential health benefits

Over the years nutraceuticals have attracted considerable interest due to their potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic effects. They could have a role in a plethora of biological processes, including antioxidant defenses, cell proliferation,gene expression, and safeguarding of mitochondrial integrity.

Therefore nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, postpone the aging process (and in turn increase life expectancy), or just support functions and integrity of the body. They are considered to be healthy sources for prevention and curing of life threatening diseases such as diabetes, renal and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as different infections.

A wide range of nutraceuticals have been shown to impose crucial roles in immune status and susceptibility to certain disease states. They also exhibit diseases modifying indications related to oxidative stress including allergy, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, eye conditions, Parkinson’s diseases and obesity.

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. They keep our immune system strong to fight any illness and diseases. Today’s Crop and Food has very less vitamins and minerals due to high quality of chemicals like preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, artificial colours, sweeteners, etc are used in production, processing and preservation of food.

Consuming high quality clinically tested nutraceuticals are the best solution to overcome deficiency of nutrients and fulfill our daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One must think and research well, before putting anything in your mouth. Whether its fast food, packed food or food supplements. Thats why, we recommend everyone to consume only reputed brand high quality nutraceuticals which are clinically tested and approved by FDA (And other developed countries food administration). The best and easy way to confirm the quality of nutraceuticals or food supplements is to check it on PDR (Physicians Desk Reference Book). The complete overview and clinical test reports of  nutraceutical for a particular brand are mentioned along which product dose to control or cure any disease.

Online version of PDR:  www.pdr.net

Different chemicals are now used in food production and preservation in food industry. Chemicals can, however, have a variety of toxicological properties, some of which might cause effects in humans and animals. Food additives can, for example, prolong the shelf life of foods; others, such as colours, can make food more attractive. Flavourings are used to make food tastier. Food supplements are used as sources of nutrition.

But when undesirable low quality chemicals end up in food, they could cause health effects, such as allergic reactions and/or adverse effects on organs or physiology (toxic effects).  Today’s food may also include chemicals that can increase your risk of disease. These chemicals can include pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and industrially produced fats and sweeteners. Not all of these substances may appear on the food product label.

These pesticides are like nerve gas: they attack the brain and nervous system, interfering with nerve signal transmission. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, muscle pain and confusion. In severe poisoning incidents, symptoms can include convulsions, difficulty breathing, involuntary urination, coma and death. Acute poisoning of the nervous system by these pesticides affects hundreds of thousands of people around the world each year.

Exposure to a combination of the pesticide maneb and the herbicide paraquat increases risks of Parkinson’s disease. Where as pesticide residues can be a health risk for people of all ages. Children who switch to organic produce no longer have significant levels of organophosphates in their urine. Read more and in detail: 

Manufacturers use preservatives such as nitrites and sulfites in processed foods to inhibit growth of microorganisms and increase shelf life. Yet these preservatives increase your health risk. Nitrites are common preservatives used in processed meats and fish to prevent bacterial growth. Your body converts nitrites to carcinogenic substances called nitrosamines. “International Journal of Cancer” in August 2006 found that increased nitrosamine consumption from processed meat increases the risk of stomach cancer.

Sulfites used to preserve dried fruits, fruit juices, wine and beer may increase the risk of asthma attacks, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Ramen noodles are particularly unhealthy. Scientists Reveal Ramen Noodles Cause Heart Disease, Stroke & Metabolic Syndrome. Read in detail..

Artificial colors increase consumer appeal but may also increase your risk of disease. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group, reports that caramel coloring used in many popular cola soft drinks contains two chemicals called 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimadazole that cause cancers of the lungs, liver and thyroid and leukemia.

Industrially produced fats and sweeteners common in processed foods are bad for your health. Manufacturers use transfats — which increase your risk of coronary artery disease — in breads, cookies, margarine and microwave popcorn. High-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener used in soft drinks, salad dressings and desserts, can increase your risk of obesity, according to research by scientists at Louisiana State University.

Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta reports eating high-fructose corn syrup can increase your risk of diabetes.

Palm oil is literally everywhere – in our foods, cosmetics, cleaning products and fuels. It’s a source of huge profits for multinational corporations, while at the same time destroying the livelihoods of smallholders. Displacement of indigenous peoples, deforestation and loss of biodiversity are all consequences of our palm oil consumption.

At 66 million tons annually, palm oil is the most commonly produced vegetable oil. Its low world market price and properties that lend themselves to processed foods have led the food industry to use it in half of all supermarket products. Palm oil can be found in frozen pizzas, biscuits and margarine, as well as body creams, soaps, makeup, candles and detergents.

Is Your Cooking Oil Is really Pure Cooking Oil ?