Medicinal Foods
Any product made from food sources that offers additional health advantages beyond the usual nutritional content present in food is referred to as a medicinal food (Gul, Singh and Jabeen, 2016). Certain food varieties are known as medicinal foods because they are thought to have medicinal properties and can help promote better health and speed up the healing process. These foods tend to have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help the body's natural healing mechanisms. The increasing incidence of chronic illnesses and the devastating consequences they cause has made health the primary focus of scientific study these days (Ramalingum and Mahomoodally, 2014). Since it was found that food has a big influence on human health, new theories and research fields have been developed to look into how foods specifically affect people's health in an effort to prevent or even treat sickness.
Nutrigenomics, also known as nutritional genomics, is the study of how diet affects gene expression and has a role in health, illness, and early death. Disease development and prevention are influenced by genes. Nutrient deficiencies and harmful substances found in low-quality meals can affect human gene expressions, and a poor diet can be a major risk factor for many diseases. A nutritious but individualized diet can be employed to prevent, lessen, or improve health because each person's genes and health are different (Ditu et al., 2018). Scientists are putting in effort to develop new diets and methods to address this public health burden.
Traditional ideas in drugs and nutrition have faced serious challenges in recent years. The concept of "best nutrition" is gradually replacing the traditional idea of giving "adequate nutrition". Adequate nutrition refers to a diet that supplies nutrients in sufficient amounts that is just enough to meet specific organic demands. According to this theory, food ingredients can enhance overall health, lower the chance of getting specific diseases and increase overall well being making it important to provide the the body with the best nutrition (Ramalingum and Mahomoodally, 2014). Numerous vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collards, kohlrabi, kaIe, mustard greens, rutabaga, turnips/greens and spinach are a few examples of medicinal foods which have been linked in epidemiological and animal studies to preventing cancer (Ummah, 2019). Although red meat is often linked with heart diseases, it is also rich in zinc.
Most of the research done on medicinal foods mainly focused on the plant derivatives forgetting about the potentially higher nutritional and medicinal functions of some fruits and vegetables (Mohanraj and Sivasankar, 2014).
Medicinal foods vs dietary supplements
For certain groups of people such as pregnant women or elderly persons whose diets may be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, dietary supplements might be beneficial. But they should not be used in place of a nutritious meal (Halsted, 2003). The FDA however considers medicinal foods as food products that are meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases, even if they are advertised as dietary supplements. While both are intended to support health and wellness, they serve different purposes. Nutrients from medicinal foods may be linked to a decreased risk of death, but taking too many supplements may have the opposite effect. Active chemicals found in many supplements could possibly have powerful biological effects. Combining supplements, combining supplements with medications, or using excessive amounts of some supplements particularly iron, vitamin A, and vitamin D can be dangerous or even deadly. Complete meals are important for the body's nourishment and they cannot be replaced by dietary supplements (Halsted, 2003).
Some medicinal food products
Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory qualities which may help lower chronic inflammation and promote joint health and healing (Jurenka, 2009). In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is praised for its capacity to reduce nausea and enhance digestion (Alkhatib et al., 2022). Allicin found in garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol promoting cardiovascular health and immune system function (Ried et al., 2008). Antioxidant-rich berries have been associated with better heart and brain health and their low glycemic index helps control blood sugar levels (Basu, Rhone and Lyons, 2010).
Rich in vitamins and minerals, leafy greens promote healthy digestion and lower inflammation which improves general wellbeing (Slavin and Lloyd, 2012). Probiotic-rich fermented foods such as kimchi and yogurt improve digestion and support gut health (Ouwehand and Röytiö, 2015). Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to have heart-protective and anti-inflammatory properties are abundant in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel (Elagizi et al., 2018). Nuts and seeds include fiber, protein, and good fats that promote weight control and heart health (Ros, 2010). Antioxidants called catechins, which are abundant in green tea enhance brain function and lower the risk of chronic illnesses (Tang et al., 2019). Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and shiitake are being researched for their possible anti-cancer effects and have immune-boosting qualities (Pala and Wani, 2011). In addition to relieving sore throats and boosting immunity, honey is well known for its antimicrobial qualities (Al-Waili, Salom and Al-Ghamdi, 2011).
Cinnamon may lower the risk of heart disease and has been associated with better blood sugar regulation. Because they contain capsaicin, chili peppers can increase metabolism and reduce discomfort. Healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants found in olive oil especially extra virgin support heart health and lower inflammation. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain high in fiber and protein that helps with weight management and fullness. Avocados are rich in nutrients including fiber and good fats that promote heart and intestinal health. Since beetroot contains nitrate, it is well known for its ability to increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Because of their high protein and fiber content, lentils help maintain healthy digestion and control blood sugar levels . These therapeutic foods can greatly improve health and well-being when included in regular diets, making them beneficial complements to a lifestyle that values health.
Biologically active substances found in medicinal foods
Bioactive ingredients are compounds that improve health when added to food; they are frequently found in dietary supplements and nutritious foods (Ummah, 2019). Medicinal foods contain a variety of bioactive components such as plant sterols, fatty acids, peptides, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Fruits, vegetables, fish, seaweeds, and herbs all naturally contain these compounds, which are known to have positive effects on the human body or on particular cells and tissues (Ummah, 2019). These molecules are classified as medicinal compounds because of their capacity to prevent disease and improve health through a variety of processes.
The ability of bioactive substances like flavonoids and phenolic acids to reduce inflammation is one of their primary functions. Carotenoids and flavonoids are two examples of bioactive substances that have strong antioxidant properties in addition to their anti-inflammatory properties. Some substances including the polysaccharides included in seaweed and mushrooms improve the immune system's functioning. Omega-3 fatty acids especially those in fish and plant sterols help increase blood circulation and decrease cholesterol. The development of advantageous gut bacteria that support better digestion and improved nutrition absorption can be promoted by prebiotic fibers and other bioactive compounds.
Key benefits of medicinal foods
Because medicinal foods lessen the need for medication and its negative effects, they can help manage medical problems and enhance quality of life. Eating nutritious foods also has the following additional advantages:
Heart health
Heart rhythms can be stabilized, inflammation can be decreased and cholesterol levels can be raised with a balanced diet.
Digestion
Water and fiber in foods like watermelon facilitate regular bowel movements and the passage of waste products through the digestive system.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help in the body's defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can harm the body and lead to diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and early aging.
Brain development
Healthy eating improves blood flow to the brain, preventing cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Weight management
Eating a nutritious diet will help you lose weight and make sure your body has the nutrition it needs to recover.
Immune system
The immune system can be strengthened by a healthy diet.
Inflammation
Food and changes in lifestyle can lower inflammation in the body.
Essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein and healthy fats can all be found in whole nutritious foods which can support optimal body function and promote general health. Numerous diseases can be prevented with a diet high in these items. Several scientific studies have supported the centuries old medical usage of plants like ashwagandha, lavender and chamomile for lowering stress and anxiety as well as improving sleep quality. Because of their naturally occurring components, several spices such as black peppercorns have been associated to a lower risk of cancer.
There are many health advantages to including medicinal food items in our diet including promoting general well-being and preventing chronic illnesses. People can use nature's medicine to promote a better and more balanced lifestyle by including these items in their regular meals. Knowing the advantages of these medicinal foods is becoming more and more critical in the search of healthier living as interest in functional meals keeps growing.
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References
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