Abstract

Nutraceuticals are commonly components extracted or prepared from plants or animal sources. They are more than food but less than pharmaceuticals. In ASEAN regions, consumers are becoming more aware of preventive medicines and the positive link between diet and disease prevention. This high demand stems from increasing overweight/obesity rates and aging populations. It leads to health consequences such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, consumers rely on nutraceuticals to fulfil health requirements apart from relying on traditional health care providers. Examples of nutraceuticals are soya phytoestrogens, polyphenolics, carotenoids, etc. These components or bioactive compounds have different biological activities and health-promoting properties that can be used for many applications by food and pharmaceutical industry. The demand of nutraceutical-based products in ASEAN regions is increasing yearly. In recent years, many animal studies, human clinical trials and epidemiological studies have been performed in order to investigate the possible effect of specific functional foods and nutraceuticals/bioactive compounds on disease prevention. Most studies present some indications, but no clear evidence. In this presentation, author will share findings on the biological activities and health-promoting properties of selected ASEAN functional foods and nutraceuticals/bioactive compounds.