Essentials of Nutraceuticals and Probiotics

Abstract

Nutraceutical foods have been described as foods with extra health benefits. They are also described as nonspecific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms, and prevent malignant processes in humans. On the other hand, probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefit on the host. Such microorganisms are deliberately included in foods or can be administered as supplements. Probiotics are reported to play an important role in improving immunological, digestive, and respiratory functions and may have a significant effect in alleviating infectious diseases in humans. This chapter describes the essentials of both nutraceuticals and probiotics.