Exploring the multifaceted health benefits of natural dietary sources: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties

Abstract

The lifestyle of today's generation contributes to various health issues like cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. A significant factor contributing to these harmful lifestyle choices is the overconsumption of highly processed, energy-dense foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, Conversely, adopting healthier dietary patterns that prioritize the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats has been shown to protect against these chronic health conditions. Investigating the diverse health benefits of natural food sources requires a holistic approach encompassing dietary intake evaluations, laboratory and animal studies, and human clinical research. These investigations examine the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cancer-fighting, and blood sugar-regulating properties of compounds derived from plants. Studies indicate that diets abundant in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply crucial nutrients and biologically active substances such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which provide protective benefits against long-term disease conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Consequently, it is imperative to adjust our dietary practices and lifestyle choices to mitigate the risk of various ailments. Naturally occurring compounds such as curcumin, quercetin, kaempferol, and resveratrol, which are found in diverse food sources, have the potential to combat numerous diseases when incorporated into our diets. This review explores an array of compounds present in dietary sources and their associated biomedical properties, including their anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, it explores various dietrelated strategies designed to promote a healthier lifestyle, including the incorporation of a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and spices rich in polyphenolic compounds into one's daily nutritional intake.