ABSTRACT
Bioactive substances are classified as nutraceuticals and toxicants. Nutraceuticals are naturally derived, bioactive compounds that have health-promoting, disease-preventing, and/or medicinal properties and have an impact on human health. Toxicants are also naturally occurring or processinduced chemical compounds that have adverse effects on human health. Fruits, vegetables, common beverages, grains, nuts, oils, marine products, medicinal plants, and herbal products all contain both nutraceuticals and toxicants. Depending on the source, the amount of bioactives that possess diversified pharmacological properties will vary. If the source has a greater quantity of nutraceuticals than toxicants, that particular source will have the potential to provide protection from chronic diseases. Most fruits and vegetables that are consumed fall in this category.
