Manas Garg, Mahesh Kumar Rana, Sonali Sharma, Stuti Pathak, Pooja Karki, Ayushi Tiwari and Minakshi Devi
Abstract
Nutrition plays a vital role in health maintenance and disease prevention, as food influences essential physiological processes and sustains life. The role of diet in promoting health and preventing chronic disease has become an intense focus in recent decades. Tackling eating habits, advocating for diverse protein sources and customizing protein guidelines based on different groups of people are vital elements of a holistic method to reduce the global impact of chronic diseases. This review underscores the significance of plant-based diets, bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals and specific dietary patterns in combating chronic diseases, enhancing metabolic health, and fostering longevity, ultimately promoting a natural, preventive approach to health. Chronic diseases, responsible for 71% of global mortality, can be mitigated through functional foods and nutraceuticals rich in bioactive compounds such as proteins, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These bioactive compounds provide targeted solutions for managing conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders by reducing oxidative stress inflammation, and regulating blood pressure. The findings revealed that the antioxidative effects of bioactive compounds, especially curcumin in turmeric and isoflavones in soybean, contribute to decreased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, by regulating hormonal balance and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Wheat bran is an excellent source of B-group vitamins, essential for energy metabolism and brain function. Similarly, Diets containing functional food components play key roles in modulating the intestinal environment and resident microbiome with systemic effects on immunity. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in dairy products, play a crucial role in maintaining gut health by balancing the intestinal flora, which aids digestion and nutrient absorption. When integrated with lifestyle interventions, functional foods offer sustainable and natural health management strategies that help prevent disease progression and promote overall well-being. The growing demand for functional foods and nutraceuticals highlights their importance in improving lipid profiles, regulating blood glucose, supporting weight management, and mitigating risk factors.