What does the term 'nutraceutical' refer to?

The term 'nutraceutical' specifically refers to food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This definition encompasses a wide range of products that may contain bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals, that can contribute to improved health, disease prevention, or treatment. Nutraceuticals may include functional foods that are enriched with additional nutrients or those that have been modified to provide specific health benefits.

This concept emphasizes the growing interest in the role of diet in overall health, where certain foods or food components can play a significant role in enhancing wellness or managing health conditions. While vitamins and minerals sold as dietary supplements also have health benefits, they are not classified under the broader category of foods that encompass the full range of nutraceutical products. Similarly, medicinal herbs and genetically modified foods do not fit the definition of nutraceuticals in the same way, as they either focus on specific traditional practices or enhancements in flavor rather than the comprehensive health benefits we associate with nutraceuticals.