Role of Dietary Bioactives and Functional Foods in Combating Lifestyle Disorders and Micronutrient Deficiencies

Sedentary lifestyles, urbanization and poor eating habits are all closely linked to the sharp increase in lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses. Functional foods have a huge impact on promoting good health and averting diseases along with their primary potential of providing the essential nutrients which are required by our body to maintain its regular functioning. Their dual benefits of supplying nutrition and improving overall well-being through the presence of bioactive substances such as polyphenols, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, alkaloids and terpenoids have garnered significant interest. Through the mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, regulation of physiological functions, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, gut microbiome management and modulation of cellular processes dietary bioactives play a very significant role in disease prevention and health promotion. Their inclusion in the diet is of a lot importance due to their role in supporting long-term health outcomes and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.