UNDERSTANDING NUTRACEUTICALS AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS IN AYURVEDIC FRAMEWORK w.s.r AJASRIKA SARPI-DUGHA RASAYANA - A REVIEW

Summary of article contents:

Urbanization and technology have contributed to a sedentary and stressful lifestyle that has harmed human health. The modern population is plagued with metabolic, lifestyle, and degenerative diseases. A big nutritional gap exists between what the body requires and what we give it. People need to consume nutritious meals to be healthy and happy. As a consequence, more research is being done on the functional properties of plant and animal diets that are linked to their health advantages. Many naturally occurring healthenhancing chemicals are plantbased, however certain physiologically active components in animal products need consideration. Nutraceuticals and functional foods come into play here. They are regarded as important as individuals grow more aware of the need of living a healthy lifestyle. Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements that also have health benefits such as sickness prevention or health promotion. Nutraceuticals and functional foods have their roots in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda, the science of life, has wonderfully articulated the significance of health. The ancient Ayurvedic medical system inspired nutraceuticals and functional foods. Several references are seen in Ayurveda regarding food groups, food preparations, and Rasayana which seem to be the closest entities to be linked with Nutraceuticals and functional foods. Food preparations may be consumed daily to defend against external and internal pressures and increase the quality of life. These preparations are called 'Aajasrik Rasayana'. This paper discusses nutraceuticals and functional foods from an Ayurvedic viewpoint, as well as several food preparations that may be eaten as functional foods/nutraceuticals. Keywords: Ayurveda, Nutraceuticals, Ajasrika Rasayana, Functional Foods, Prevention, Promotion, Rejuvenation