Definitions for "Nutraceuticals"
(sometimes spelled nutriceuticals) -- a term coined for medical foods; foods which have a beneficial effect on health and disease, in treatment and prevention through the use of nutritional vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies. The name is derived from combining nutrition and pharmaceuticals.
Substances in a food that may provide medical or health benefitsbeyond basic nutrition, including disease prevention. Research indicates this term does not appeal tomost consumers possibly because it reminds them of medicine.
Chemicals that have beneficial effects (pharmacological effects) on our physiology if taken in appropriate amounts with food. Plants are the major source of nutraceuticals also known as phytochemicals. Plants produce those molecules for self-defense or to attract insects and animals to facilitate pollen distribution. For the latter purpose, they often are colorants while tasting bitter to ward of animals.