ABSTRACT
Phytopharmaceuticals have been used for centuries as novel prophylactic agents for the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders in humans and animals as well as for the improvements of chronic degenerative conditions. Approximately more than 2500 years ago, the father of modern medicine “Hippocrates” proclaimed the association of food with health benets and quoted “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” (Hippocrates, 460-377 BC). Nutritionists and health professionals are continuously unveiling the benecial health effects of diverse functional foods and nutraceuticals. This may range from isolated nutrients as dietary supplements, herbal products, and fortied diets that can be used as soups, cereals, fortied juices, or beverages, among others. Functional beverages are speci- cally designed to quench thirst and maintain healthy uid and water levels and nutrition. Some examples include orange juice fortied with vitamin C, calcium, and phytosterols, berry drinks with anthocyanins, and green tea fortied with epigallocatechin gallate. It is very important that functional beverages carry appropriate labeling information for the benet of the consumer. It is also essential that these functional beverages strictly follow regulatory guidelines to attract consumer condence in the marketplace [1].
