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Nutrition

Nutrition is the science and practice to define how an organism uses or metabolizes different nutrients and related chemical components through metabolic path ways and how these constituents act and interact within the body for its normal functioning, growth, tissue repair, and maintaining the balance between health and disease.

Nutritionists are health professionals to provide consulting services, advice and support to individual patients in order to prevent many health complications and improve energy levels and overall physical and emotional health. Nutrition Consultant specializes in the study of nutrition, including nutritional deficiencies, sources of nutrition, also are knowledgeable with how certain foods and supplements interact with medications, so they are able to access patient’s nutritional needs and develop a balanced and proper dietary and supplementary plan accordingly.

Nutritional therapy might include dietary modifications according to variety of complaints; it is also applicable as complement to treatments of cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Other specific dietary measures include the elimination of food additives especially for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets, weight loss programmes and much more.

Individuals should not change their diets without the advice of nutritional experts or health care professionals. Certain individuals, especially children, pregnant and lactating women, and chronically ill patients, only should change their diets under professional supervision.

Since a poor diet and nutrition contributes in deficiency diseases and health-threatening conditions; nutrition consultation is specifically important when it comes to deal with such issues including: food allergies, food sensitivities, allergies, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, hyper cholesterolemia, diabetes, digestive issues, obesity, kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, osteoporosis, cancer, and much more.

Nutrients Classification & definition:

Nutrients are classified into two main groups of macronutrients (required in large amounts) or micronutrients (required in smaller quantities). The macronutrients are including carbohydrates, fats, fiber, protein, and water. The micronutrients are minerals, vitamins, antioxidants , and photochemical.

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy .There is two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates (such as sugar or honey) or complex carbohydrates (such as grains, beans, peas, potatoes).

Some simple carbohydrates are absorbed quickly, and therefore raise blood-sugar levels more rapidly than complex carbohydrates. However, some simple carbohydrates (e.g. fructose) are digested very slowly in comparison with some complex carbohydrates.

Complex carbohydrates are more nutritious yet have fewer calories per gram compared to fat and cause fewer problems with overeating than fat or sugar. Complex carbohydrates also are suggested for diabetics because they allow better blood glucose control.

Dietary fiber is primarily made up of carbohydrates, but it does not have a lot of calories and is usually not broken down by the body for energy because, humans do not have the required enzymes to digest it. There are two categories of dietary fiber including soluble and insoluble fibers. Fiber helps reduce the chance of many gastrointestinal problems. Soluble fiber dissolves in water in the intestinal tract to produce a gel which slows the movement of food through the intestines. This may help lower blood glucose levels because it can slow the absorption of sugar. Insoluble fiber encourages the rhythmic muscular contractions of the intestines which move digested materials along the digestive tract.

Fiber helps to lower blood glucose levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar; it lessens insulin spikes, and therefore reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes as well. Fiber attaches to cholesterol and prevents the re-circulation and re-absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. According to World Health Organization a new report specifically is outlining the link between a healthy diet rich in high-fibre plant foods and preventing cancer.

Fat supplies energy and transports nutrients in the body. A molecule of dietary fat typically consists of several fatty acids . Fats may be classified as saturated or unsaturated depending on the detailed structure of the fatty acids involved.

Unsaturated fatty acids are classified asomega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids.

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat, these are rare in nature and in foods from natural sources; they are typically created in an industrial process called (partial) hydrogenation ; and they have been shown to be highly detrimental to human health, but have been used in food processing industry.

Unsaturated fats are considered healthier, while Trans fats are to be avoided. Saturated and some Trans fats are typically solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are typically liquids

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential for the body required by the body to function normally. The American diet often contains an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and insufficient amounts of omega-3 fats. Increased consumption of omega-3 oils is recommended to help reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer and alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them.

The term "essential fatty acid" refers to fatty acids required for biological processes, and not those that only used to produce energy.

There are two essential fatty acid pathways for human including omega 3 and 6:

In omega 3 Pathway, Alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA ) which is a plant source omega-3 fatty acid through an enzymatic pathway will be used to produce functional eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Since the the human body has a limited ability to convert ALA into EPA and DHA, it is suggested to obtain EPA and DHA from fish or alga source.

In Omega 6 pathway, linoleic acid ( LA ) which is an omega-6 fatty acid ,at the first step will be used to produce gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), GLA is converted to Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) being eventually converted to arachidonic acid (AA); arachidonic acid (AA) is a precursor to the inflammatory prostaglandin 2 cascade.

Essential fatty acids play a part in many metabolic processes, and there is evidence to suggest that low levels of essential fatty acids, or the wrong balance of types among the essential fatty acids, may be a factor in a number of illnesses.

EPA is used to make prostaglandin 3 (Pg3) providing vasodilatory, antiplatelet aggregation effects; however, AA is to make the inflammatory prostaglandins (prostaglandin 2).

The relationship between the omega 3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the omega 6, arachidonic acid (AA) is particularly important as the ratio of these two fatty acids is an excellent marker of inflammation.

Sufficient levels of omega 3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA in particular, have been proven to protect the body against heart disease.

Healthy ratio of AA to EPA has been associated with improvements in a variety of diseases like: rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Some cancers may also benefit from a lowered ratio of AA to EPA.

Improper omega 3 intake coupled with excessive dietary intake of omega 6 can result in an elevated AA to EPA ratio. An elevated ratio of AA to EPA increases risk of diseases including: Heart disease, lung cancer, Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, asthma, dermatitis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and etc.

Good quality supplement restores the balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6. Depending on health conditions different amount of omega 3 fatty acids might be required. Testing can determine whether healthy ratios and percentages have been achieved. To find out the right type and the proper dosage for your particular health situation please contact a practitioner.

Proteins are the basis of body structures (e.g. muscles, skin, and hair). They also form the Enzymes and Hormones that control chemical reactions throughout the body.

Each Protein molecule is consisting of amino acids. Amino acids contain nitrogen and sometimes sulphur. The body requires amino acids to produce new proteins (protein retention) and to replace damaged proteins (maintenance).

Some amino acids are considered essential which cannot be produced in our body so adequate amount of them must be consumed through diet; and some are non-essential which can be produced in our body from other nitrogen-containing compounds. Excess amino acids are discarded, typically in the urine.

A diet containing adequate amounts of amino acids is particularly important during early development and maturation, pregnancy, lactation, injuries (a burn) , and for recovery during and after chemotherapy. A complete protein source contains all the essential amino acids; an incomplete protein source lacks one or more of the essential amino acids.

Amino acids are molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Amino Acids are the chemical units or "building blocks" of the body called proteins. Amino acids are involved in vast variety of vital functions in the body.

Amino acids are linked together to form small chains of amino acids then these chains link together to form proteins. Amino acids can be linked together in different sequences to form many different types of proteins. Basically, proteins are involved in every cellular function. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. Protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, enzymes, hormones, etc.

Also, amino acids play an important role as metabolic intermediates ; it means they have been used by the body to synthesize other molecules (e.g. Tryptophan is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin)

There are Twenty-two Standard Amino Acids naturally incorporated to make proteins. These types of amino acids are called natural amino acids and mainly are encoded by the universal genetic code.

There are many other amino acids that are called non-proteinogenic or non-standard. These amino acids could be produced in different ways for different purposes. Some non standard amino acids are resulted from some modifications on the chemical structure of amino acids during protein synthesis. These modifications are often essential for the function or regulation of a protein (e.g. carnitine, GABA). On the other hand; others could be a product of catabolism during metabolic pathways of standard amino acids which is part of protein catabolism (e.g. ornithine and citrulline occur in the urea cycle ).

Eight standard amino acids are called "Essential Amino Acids" for humans because they cannot be created from other compounds by the human body, and so must be obtained from the diet. The essential amino acids are: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine.

Those Amino Acids that the body can manufacture from other sources are called "NonEssential Amino Acids", such as;Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glutamine, Glycine*, Proline, Selenocysteine, Serine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Histidine, Ornithine, Taurine. However some of these amino acids are considered “semiessential amino-acids” in children, because the metabolic pathways that synthesize these amino acids are not fully developed.

Branched-chain amino acids or “BCAA” are a group of essential amino acidsforming ring shape side-chains. BCAA are including leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAA is 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and 40% of the preformed amino acids required by mammals. They have demonstrated many health benefits and have been used for different treatments; for example, BCAA’s have been used clinically to aid in the recovery of burn victims.

The required amount of each amino acid depends on the age and health of the individual. Even though; most people manufacture non essential amino acids on their own, but some with certain illness or genetic abnormalities don't and need to get them through their diets. If you have any special dietary needs you should consult a practitioner.

Animal protein sources provide all of the essential amino acids so they are called “complete proteins “, but this does not mean that animal protein is the healthiest source of protein specially for people who have cardiovascular diseases.

Plant proteins are called "incomplete proteins." Each plant protein is missing at least one of the nine essential amino acids. However, every amino acid is found in some type of plant, so you can combine different plant proteins to get all of the amino acids you need. So if you are a vegetarian or specially planning to become a vegetarian, it is highly recommended to see a practitioner or a nutritionist to prevent any possible health complication.

Adding a healthy amount of complete protein in our diet is important, but what type of high protein foods should you eat or what protein supplement should you take? Among thousands of protein supplements only a few number of them actually provide enough of whole spectrum micro and macro nutrients.

In fact, researches show correct amount and the ratio of nutrients such as “alpha-lactalbumin”, “lactoferrin “and “sialic acid’ found in some protein supplements demonstrate anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti inflammatory ,and cholesterol lowering activities. However beyond bioavailability, other factors such as allergies, digestive problems, etc. should be considered. Qualified practitioner will be able to provide true and individualized advice.

Vitamins are one part of natural health supplements. A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient by an organism. Vitamin cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Today 13 vitamins are universally recognized.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Therefore a class of vitamin includes number of vitamer compounds which can convert to the active form of the vitamin in the body, and sometimes they are inter-convertible to one another, as well. ( Retinol & Vitamin A )

Vitamins represent diverse biochemical functions. Some have hormone-like functions to regulate mineral metabolism (vitamin D), or to regulate cell and tissue growth and differentiation (vitamin A). Some vitamins act as antioxidants (vitamin E , vitamin C). Some Vitamins are precursors for enzyme cofactors (B complex vitamins) helping enzymes in their work as catalysts in metabolism. In this function, vitamins may be tightly bound to enzymes as apart (biotin is part of enzymes involved in making fatty acids) or they may be less tightly bound to enzyme like coenzymes to carry chemical groups or electrons between molecules ( Folic Acid) .

Vitamins are classified as either water-soluble or fat-soluble. In humans there are 13 vitamins: 4 fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and 9 water-soluble (8 - B vitamins and vitamin C). Water-soluble vitamins dissolve easily in water and in general, are readily excreted from the body through urinary system and because they are not stored, consistent daily intake is important. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids (fats) and they are more likely to be stored in the body.

Vitamins are essential for the normal growth and development of a multi cellular organism. Proper development and growth of a fetus depends on the absorption of certain nutrients including sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals being available at certain times. These nutrients facilitate the chemical reactions in developing and growing tissues and organs like skin, bone, and muscle. If there is serious deficiency in one or more of these nutrients, a child may develop a deficiency disease. Even minor deficiencies may cause permanent damage.

Once growth and development are completed, vitamins remain essential nutrients for the healthy maintenance of the cells, tissues, and organs. They also enable the cells to efficiently use chemical energy provided from food to process proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Human must consume vitamins periodically to avoid deficiency. Human is able to stores some different vitamins like vitamins A, D, and B₁₂ mainly in the liver, Adult human's diet may be deficient in vitamins A and D for many months and B₁₂ in some cases for years, before developing a deficiency condition. The storage of some vitamins like vitamin B₃ (niacin and niacinamide) may last only a couple of weeks. Depending on previous dietary history vitamin C deficiency will show itself from a month to more than six months.

Deficiencies of vitamins are either primary or secondary. A primary deficiency happens when an organism does not get enough of the vitamin in its food. A secondary deficiency may be due to an underlying disorder that prevents or limits the absorption or usage of the vitamin, due to a “lifestyle factor”, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or the use of medications that interfere with the absorption or usage of the vitamin. Restrictive diets have the potential to cause prolonged vitamin deficiencies.

Recent studies indicate that the nutritional value of our fruits and veggies has decreased within last 50 years. There is a direct correlation between the declining nutritional value of our food and the growing of certain illnesses.

Dietary supplements, often containing vitamins, are used to ensure that adequate amounts of nutrients are obtained on a daily basis. Scientific evidence supporting the benefits of some vitamin supplements is well established for certain health conditions. In some cases, vitamin supplements may have unwanted effects, especially if taken before surgery, with other dietary supplements or medicines (Please seek your practitioner advice)

Vitamins work together and help with the function and the absorption of each other. Vitamins need to be taken in a correct balance to work effectively. Many people are not aware that taking too much can actually do more harm than good.

The bio availability of the single and multiple vitamins make a huge difference in their functionality in the body. There are only a few manufacturers who produce bioavalable form of vitamins. (Please seek your practitioner advice to choose a correct type of dietary supplement)

Vitamin supplements are either naturally sourced or they are synthetically made through chemical processes. Naturally sourced vitamins contain co-factors that come with the nutrient in nature. For instance, some co-factors that are usually found with Vitamin C are various bioflavonoids which increase the absorption and function of vitamin C by 30 %.

In the production of natural vitamins there is no extreme heat, pressure, or possibly toxic solvents involved. Also they do not contain sugar or chemical tablet coatings, artificial chemicals, fillers and binders. The nutrients are prepared from high quality raw ingredients.

Other way of comparing natural and synthetic vitamins is to consider the differences in their molecular structures. The synthetic molecules are less likely to be functional and absorbable in the body. For example, the d- form of vitamin E derived from vegetable oils while the dl- form is synthetic. The human body uses only the d- form. The l- form, when present, does not confer any known health benefit and is normally excreted by the body. So, in essence, when consuming the dl- form of vitamin E, you obtain an effective dose of about half the vitamin E dosage reported on the label.

A good multivitamin is the foundation of health and nutrition. There are several scientific reviews of many of the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement, quality level, and overall value. Some products do not even contain the active ingredients listed on the label, and others can contain the ingredient in inefficacious or harmful quantities. Worse is when they add artificial additives. A qualified natural health practitioner will be able to advice patients and provide complete information on the quality and quantity of nutritional supplements.

Dietary minerals or mineral nutrients are group of inorganic elements that are essential to human and animals for normal body functions. In nutrition, essential minerals are those elements for which the body's requirement is at least 100 mg per day like; Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium; and trace minerals are those elements that are needed in smaller amounts such as Zinc, Selenium, Lithium, Boron , etc.

Humans need small amounts of about 25 minerals to maintain normal body function and good health, 16 of which are essential nutrients and must be supplied by the diet.

Many people think minerals and vitamins are the same, but they are not. Minerals, like vitamins, are important nutrients found in foods. The main difference is that vitamins are organic substances (meaning that they contain the element carbon) and minerals are inorganic substances.

Appropriate intake levels of certain chemical elements have been demonstrated to be required to maintain optimal health.

Minerals, in some ways, are more important than vitamins: vitamins include less than 1% of the body mass, however minerals include 4-5%. Every cell, and every biochemical transformation in the body, requires minerals.

Mineral nutrients are required to build tissues. They are also important for muscle contractions, nerve reactions, and blood clotting. Minerals help maintain acid-base balance, to keep the body at the proper pH level. Some minerals are necessary for enzymes activities. Minerals help to release energy from food.

Mineral depletion might be one of major causes of poor health, illness, and premature aging involving large number of population. Most North Americans face borderline mineral deficiency due to poor food choices, food processing, soil depletion from agribusiness factory farming, and mineral antagonists including oxalates, caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars along with other high-glycemic dietary carbohydrates.

Several recent studies suggest some minerals such as chromium, boron, silicon, lithium, and vanadium is as necessary to your health as the "official" essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, or zinc.

According to the latest researches Boron appears to be an essential factor in preserving the health of the skeleton and joints, and has been linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer.

These studies have found that people living in areas with low lithium have higher rates of neurosis, schizophrenia, psychosis, mental ward admissions, homicide, suicide, forcible sexual assault, burglary, and runaways. Also low lithium levels may be a key reason for the higher rates of heart attack in areas with ‘soft' water, although magnesium is probably the one mineral most responsible for the effect. (Now the ‘RDA' of lithium is in the range of 0.400 to 1 milligram per day)

The right type, quantity, the ratio in combination of dietary minerals is playing a very important role in the way that the body can absorb and use minerals. Many supplement companies pack their multiminerals with ineffective forms of key minerals because they are available at cut-rate prices. If your body can't use the minerals in these supplements, it doesn't matter how much you have been taking them.

A simple example among all minerals and formulations is Calcium Supplements. There are several different forms of calcium available to consumers. Each form has a different degree of solubility and absorption. Get the Right Kind of Calcium. Too many health-conscious people believe that conventional calcium supplements (or conventional calcium plus vitamin D) can put an end to bone loss. As multiple studies have documented, they can't. You simply can't force the bones to take in more calcium, and build more bone, by taking more and more calcium.

Many different factors involve in the absorption of minerals like Calcium such as age, hormonal changes, digestive system, level of stomach acidity, some prescription drugs can block the absorption of calcium, and other elements are needed to make bones (e.g. phosphorus which is an essential nutrient making up more than half of the mineral content of bone and is necessary for osteoblast function. Nearly a third of older Americans don't get the new RDA of this essential mineral).Therefore; accordingly, the type and quantity will be suggested by your practitioner.

The same rule applies for other minerals and nutrients. For instance; magnesium aspartate has a remarkable 41.7% bioavailability. Selenium in Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMC) form has the most potent cancer-fighting punch, with the least "collateral damage" to healthy cells.

Sometimes, the excitement about the role played by a nutrient in health makes people to overdo it, in a "more is better" mentality. However; excessive intake of a dietary mineral may either lead to illness directly or indirectly because of the competitive nature between mineral levels in the body. As an example zinc and copper have a very similar atomic structure that they can actually compete with one another, both for absorption and for utilization in the body's biochemical pathways. The excess amount of zinc actually interferes with the activity of enzymes, which need copper for their biological function.

The body needs these minerals! Their role in health is literally indispensable. But they should be taken in appropriate doses, at appropriate ratios, reflecting the balance of nutrients in healthy diets, and within the range at which our bodies have evolved to use them. Practitioners who have obtain proper knowledge in the field can provide true information and advice patients on which supplement to choose and how to take and how to balance supplements with diet to get the best benefits.

Antioxidant :

Cellular metabolism requires oxygen to produce energy through oxidation reactions, forming reactive oxygen species or oxidants such as: hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion (O₂⁻), free radicals , and etc. Oxidation Reactions are crucial for life, however they can also be damaging.

The oxidants can damage cells by starting chemical chain reactions such as lipid peroxidation, or by oxidizing DNA or proteins. Therefore, for the continued normal cellular maintenance, growth, and division, these free radicals must be sufficiently neutralized by antioxidants.

Animal and Plants have developed complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants and enzymes to protect the cellular components such as DNA, proteins and lipids against oxidative damage.

Antioxidants systems act to remove free radical intermediates, inhibit other oxidation reactions to terminate the chain reactions, or neutralize and inactivate free radicals and change them to less harmful compounds. However, since reactive oxygen species participate in useful functions in cells, the function of antioxidant systems is not to remove oxidants entirely, but instead to keep them at an optimum level.

Some Antioxidants are produced by the human body with the presence of adequate precursors , and those the body cannot produce must only be obtained from diet.

Antioxidants are mainly categorized into two groups, water soluble (hydrophilic) or in lipid soluble (hydrophobic).

There are about 4,000 known antioxidants .Different antioxidants are present at a wide range of concentrations in body fluids and tissues or cells to performing in different ways to protect the organism against oxidant damages. For example, some antioxidants compounds contribute to antioxidant defence by chelating , while some are more effective to neutralize free radicals.

Different antioxidants with the various metabolites and enzyme systems contribute to synergistic and interdependent effects on one another. Therefore, the action of one antioxidant may depend on the proper function of other members of the antioxidant system. The level of protection provided by any one antioxidant is also related to its concentration, its reactivity towards the particular oxidant, and the status of the other antioxidants with which it interacts.

Antioxidants after neutralizing free radicals, themselves will transform into milder free radicals (radicalized antioxidant) which appear to be less immediately toxic to the body than the free radicals. These radicalized antioxidants can contribute to slower oxidation pathway which will eventually cause long term harm. This could be only prevented by specific synergistic interactions between certain antioxidants, so called Networking Antioxidants.

Synergistic effect of certain antioxidants works in order to reactive, revive, and recycle each other. Only Networking antioxidants will support and affect on each other. Other anti oxidants do not participate in the networking antioxidant’s cycle; but, few antioxidants can support networking antioxidants indirectly, without fully participating in the antioxidant network recycling system.

Low levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes leads to oxidative stress which may damage or kill cells. As oxidative stress appears to be an important part of many human diseases, the use of antioxidants is intensively studied.

Variety of antioxidants can protect the body against verity types of free radicals. Antioxidants are found in varying amounts in foods such as vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, eggs, meat, legumes and nuts; however, Antioxidants can be destroyed by long-term storage, prolonged cooking, and food processing.

Antioxidants have been widely investigated and researched for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, inflammation , and arthritis.

Recent studies and researches suggest taking the complete team of networking antioxidants, plus the proven supporting group in a proper ratio. Also, some antioxidants cannot be combined with certain medications or treatments. Health professionals can help to find the right type of antioxidant that can benefit your health the most.

Phytochemicals are plant-based micronutrients providing many health benefits. Within the context of natural health and nutrition.

phytonutrients are bio- active plant chemicals that have significant positive effects on human health and metabolism.

Phytonutrients are conditionally essential, meaning that their absence in the body does not cause deficiency disease however; they are essential for optimal health and longevity playing an important role in preventing or reversing many illnesses.

As this field of science is progressing, many phyto nutrients and their function have been identified. According to recent researches; plant molecules connect with human cells by binding to the receptor sites on individual cells. The cell receives a message through enzymatic pathways then genes will react to the massage so the cell will perform a specific function. For example, sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, boost the body’s detoxification enzymes in order to clear out potentially carcinogenic substances.

Phtyochemicals that are extracted or prepared in such a dosage as to have likely therapeutic effects are generally becoming referred to as nutraceuticals.

Phytochemicals are classified into groups and sub-groups based on their chemical structure and biological activity. The major groups of photochemical include: terpenes, amines, organosulfurs, phenols, polysaccarides, organic acids, and lipids. One plant can contain several classifications of phytonutrients.

Since, some phytonutrients are destroyed or removed by modern food processing techniques, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are important. The supplementation is recommended for therapeutic benefits, however the dosage and the methods of preparation to keep phytonutrients’ power intact is very important.

Botanical medicine:

Herbal medicine is known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbology, and phytotherapy. Herbal medicines are classified under “Natural Health Products”*. According to “World Health Organization”, 80% of the world use herbs as their primary form of health care. WHO notes that about 122 compounds used in mainstream medicine which were either produced directly from plants or discovered from plant sources and later synthesized; about 74% of these compounds were used in the same or related manner as the traditional use. There are extensive researches on plant materials for their potential medicinal value.

Phytochemicals are plant-based micronutrients providing many health benefits. Within the context of natural health and nutrition, phytonutrients are bio- active plant chemicals that have significant positive effects on human health and metabolism. Phytonutrients are conditionally essential, meaning that their absence in the body does not cause deficiency disease, however; they are essential for optimal health and longevity playing an important role in preventing or reversing many illnesses.

As this field of science is progressing, thousands phyto nutrients and their function have been identified. According to recent researches; plant molecules connect with human cells by binding to the receptor sites on individual cells. The cell receives a message through enzymatic pathways then genes will react to the massage so the cell will perform a specific function. For example, sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, boost the body’s detoxification enzymes in order to clear out potentially carcinogenic substances.

Phtyochemicals that are extracted or prepared in such a dosage as to have likely therapeutic effects are generally becoming referred to as nutraceuticals.

Phyto nutrients are highly varied in structure and function. Some have therapeutic effects which found only in a particular genus or species. Phytochemicals are classified into groups and sub-groups based on their chemical structure and biological activity.

Herbal products are derived from roots, stems, flowers or leaves of plants and are frequently sold in liquid extracts, capsules, tablets or teas.over the long term herbs can help the patient resist disease, and that in addition, they provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack. They view their goal as prevention as well as cure.

The presence and interaction of different phyto-chemicals in herbs enhances the therapeutic effects of the herb. The synergism of these phyto-chemicals can’t be duplicated with synthetic chemicals. Phyto-chemical interactions and trace components may alter the drug response in ways that cannot currently be replicated in any synthetic way.

The method of extraction has been used to get the most benefit from the herbal active ingredients. Extracts are including Liquid extracts, dry extracts, and nebulisates. Liquid extracts are liquids with a lower ethanol percentage than tinctures being usually made by vacuum distilling tinctures. Dry extracts are extracts of plant material which are evaporated into a dry mass. They can then be further refined to a capsule or tablet. A nebulisate is a dry extract created by freeze-drying which can contain the most active ingredients. It is very important to make sure that any chemical solvents have not been used in the process of extraction which could make the product real harmful than beneficial (Please seek your practitioner advise)

Herbal medicines are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. Phyto nutrients are basically the therapeutically effective ingredients in such medicines so again it is very important to choose the supplementation which contains enough of undestroyed phytonutrient and of course in proper combination and ratio. Every herbal driven medicine has to be prepared under restrictive standards in a complete sterile environment to prevent any cross contaminations. (Please seek your practitioner advice).

Although many consumers believe that herbal medicines are safe because they are "natural", herbal medicines and synthetic drugs may interact, causing toxicity to the patient. There is also concern with respect to the numerous well-established interactions of herbs and drugs. Since some herbal remedies have the potential to cause adverse drug interactions when used in combination with various prescriptions and over the counter pharmaceuticals, patients should consult with Practitioners in order to achieve the best results with minimum risks of other interactions.