Chapter 1 - Introduction in Nutraceutical and Medicinal Foods

Abstract

Eating habits have a great impact on humans’ health, environment, industry, and economy. In recent years, new topics in food research, such as nutraceuticals, functional foods, and food supplements, have emerged to mitigate health problems, especially those pertaining to metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract. Although the intimate mechanisms by which nutraceuticals, functional foods, and food supplements may improve the health of consumers are widely unknown, the potential of such products in supporting health and the development of efficient alternative therapies for numerous severe diseases is of great significance and supported by numerous studies and empirical observations. The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce, define, and briefly discuss types of nutraceuticals, functional foods, food supplements, and medicinal foods, highlighting their potential impact on consumers’ health.