Functional foods and nutraceuticals are increasingly recognized for their role in disease prevention and health promotion. These foods and supplements contain bioactive compounds that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammation. This review summarizes current evidence on the effects of key functional foods and nutraceuticals on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular health, inflammation, immunity, microbiome health, and metabolic markers. Clinical trials and experimental studies have shown that certain bioactive components, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and phytochemicals, can significantly improve health outcomes. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action, safe and effective dosages, and strategies to improve consumer selection and adherence. The market for functional foods and nutraceuticals is growing, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural, low-risk alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Regulatory frameworks in various regions are evolving to support the use of these products in evidence-based strategies for chronic disease prevention and health optimization. Despite their potential, safety considerations and regulatory challenges remain important areas of focus. Overall, functional foods and nutraceuticals, when used in alignment with dietary guidelines, have the potential to significantly impact public health by addressing nutritional gaps and promoting protective responses.Functional foods and nutraceuticals are increasingly recognized for their role in disease prevention and health promotion. These foods and supplements contain bioactive compounds that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammation. This review summarizes current evidence on the effects of key functional foods and nutraceuticals on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular health, inflammation, immunity, microbiome health, and metabolic markers. Clinical trials and experimental studies have shown that certain bioactive components, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and phytochemicals, can significantly improve health outcomes. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action, safe and effective dosages, and strategies to improve consumer selection and adherence. The market for functional foods and nutraceuticals is growing, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural, low-risk alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Regulatory frameworks in various regions are evolving to support the use of these products in evidence-based strategies for chronic disease prevention and health optimization. Despite their potential, safety considerations and regulatory challenges remain important areas of focus. Overall, functional foods and nutraceuticals, when used in alignment with dietary guidelines, have the potential to significantly impact public health by addressing nutritional gaps and promoting protective responses.