Bioactive compounds in the management of nutritional disorders

Abstract

Some diseases do not arise as a consequence of exposure to any microbial, chemical, or environmental agent. They are caused by biochemical processes inside us, which are connected directly or indirectly to our nutrition. They may be caused by excess or lack of proper nutrition, system failure, or system overactivity. Apart from functioning as a source of nutrients, food can impact well-being and disease prevention or progression in humans. Bioactive compounds are chemical entities of biological origin that affect human health. This chapter reviews the sources, chemistry, pharmacological activities, and uses/nutritional importance of bioactive compounds in nutritional diseases from the available literature. There are many chemical compounds contained in human food that affect human health. Some human diseases can be treated or ameliorated by the consumption of foods rich in certain chemicals of biological origin. Human well-being and disease prevention or progression can be positively or negatively influenced by food.