Abstract

Dietary bioactive components, though not classified as essential nutrients, are crucial for promoting health and preventing disease. These naturally occurring compounds, found predominantly in plant-based foods, exhibit significant biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. This article examines the diverse roles of bioactives such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytosterols. Through mechanisms like free radical neutralization, inflammation modulation, and gene expression regulation, these compounds contribute to cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, diabetes management, gut health, and neuroprotection. Practical dietary strategies for maximizing bioactive intake, including the consumption of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole foods, herbs, and spices, are discussed. The growing body of research underscores the importance of dietary bioactives in achieving optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, highlighting the need for their inclusion in public health recommendations and individual dietary practices.