Tag: Preventive medicine

Over 50% of the world's population is deficient in one or more essential nutrients, highlighting the critical importance of nutritional guidance. In Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM), the food pyramid serves as a foundational visual tool for public health nutrition, offering a simple, graphical representation of a healthy, balanced diet.

Scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, was responsible for the deaths of millions of sailors during the Age of Exploration due to prolonged periods without fresh fruits and vegetables. This article explains the vital role of vitamin C in preventing and curing this condition.

First coined in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, the term 'nutraceutical' combines the words 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical' to describe a substance that provides health benefits beyond basic nutritional value. So, what is the meaning of nutraceuticals and how do they fit into a healthy lifestyle?

According to the CDC, over 86 million US adults have high cholesterol and more than 38 million have diabetes, highlighting the critical need for effective management. Learning how to reduce cholesterol and sugar in 30 days is a powerful first step towards improving your metabolic and cardiovascular health.

The global nutraceutical market is projected to reach over $600 billion by 2027, driven by increasing consumer interest in natural health solutions. This growing trend highlights a fundamental shift towards embracing nutraceutical wellness, which leverages food-derived products for therapeutic benefits.

According to BCC Research, the worldwide nutraceutical market reached an estimated value of $336 billion by 2023, reflecting a surging consumer interest in health-enhancing food products. Nutraceuticals, a blend of "nutrition" and "pharmaceuticals," are substances derived from food sources that provide extra health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These products range from isolated nutrients and dietary supplements to herbal products and even genetically engineered foods, all aimed at improving wellness and combating disease.

According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable chronic diseases account for 74% of all deaths globally. Understanding how can nutrition interventions be used to prevent or manage chronic diseases is paramount for public health and individual well-being.

As of 2024, approximately 95 million American adults have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dl and higher, fueling the perception that all cholesterol is bad. However, this waxy, fat-like substance is essential for life, serving as a building block for healthy cells and vital hormones. So, is cholesterol actually healthy? The answer lies in understanding its different forms and functions.

The global nutraceuticals market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for health-enhancing products. But what exactly is a nutraceutical, and how does it differ from a simple supplement or functional food?

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant rise in global consumer interest in foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Navigating the world of wellness products, however, can be confusing, especially when comparing a functional food versus a nutraceutical and understanding what is the difference. This guide provides a clear distinction between these two often-interchanged terms.