ABSTRACT
Nutraceuticals are food constituents, extracts, or food derivatives such as vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that have possible health benefits beyond their nutritional value. They are referred to as dietary supplements, source nutrient content (complex carbs, proteins, fats), and non-nutrients (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, phytochemicals, enzymatic regulators). The relationship between health and illness may be traced directly to one's eating habits, and food consumed. Based on biochemical and epidemiological evidence, humans have evolved a complex and cooperative system of antioxidants to defend themselves nutritionally against hazardous oxygen intermediates. A possible protective effect against cancer and other diseases has been linked to dietary sources of antioxidants. Inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells are two ways in which nutraceuticals, functional foods, and additional micronutrients may help slow the spread of the disease. Many natural foods and drinks have been studied for their possible involvement in preventing and treating cancer. Many people diagnosed with cancer try nutraceuticals since they have heard there may be positive effects from taking these supplements. The metabolism of medicinal medicines may be altered by the concurrent use of certain plant-based supplements, diminishing their efficacy.
