Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals as Immunity Boosters and in Combating Lifestyle Diseases

Immense number of biological active components are present in functional foods that are linked with the management of several chronic lifestyle disorders mainly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, etc. Functional foods contain antioxidants and several anti-inflammatory and also maintain the insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels; these factors help in the prevention of diabetes, heart diseases and obesity. Daily consumption of functional foods such as oily fish containing omega 3 fatty acids, olive oil, phenols, pigments, flavonoids, etc. improves the immunity. Foods such as coffee, black or green tea, nuts, fruits and vegetables, sea foods and meat products have been explored and reported to possess immune-boosting components. However, combing functional foods with exercise can improve their metabolic benefits; smoking and alcoholism may decrease the effect of these foods.