What are Functional Foods?
Functional foods have health benefits above and beyond the basic nutritional function of supplying nutrients. The concept was first introduced in Japan in the 1980’s, where a great number of functional food products can be found on the market today. Although the exact definition of the term may vary, it is generally thought that functional foods are foods, dietary ingredients or biologically active components that provide health beyond basic nutrition.
What are examples of Functional Foods?
The functional food category encompasses a very wide variety of products, ranging from foods generated from a particular functional ingredient through to staple, everyday foods fortified with a nutrient. For example, carrots and various fruits contain beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free-radical damage and working as an immune-system booster. Yogurt and dairy products contain “good bacteria” such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which help to maintain digestive health. A fairly recent trend has been to enhance conventional foods with a particular nutrient of interest. Examples include omega-3 eggs to promote heart and brain health, or bread fortified with folate to protect against neural tube defects in developing children. These enhanced products are designed to fit into a conventional diet while focusing on particular health benefits.
Making lifestyle choices with
Functional Foods
Today's consumers are discovering the impact that good nutrition has on overall health and well-being. Scientific reports and clinical trials have revealed that many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, may be linked to diet and lifestyle choices. These factors drive the demand for a unique food sector that addresses certain health concerns and promote a healthy lifestyle.
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