Emerging Role of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Preventing and Managing Lifestyle Diseases

Lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension have become leading causes of mortality worldwide, primarily due to sedentary habits and unbalanced diets.The growing field of functional foods and nutraceuticals offers preventive and therapeutic potential through the bioactive compounds they contain-such as antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and phytochemicals.These substances not only provide essential nutrients but also modulate physiological and metabolic processes that help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, recent innovations, and clinical relevance of functional foods and nutraceuticals in combating lifestyle-related diseases, emphasizing their significance in public health nutrition.