Food manufacturers are turning to functional foods as an attraction point to draw consumers seeking health-enhancing options. These foods promise to help people cope with stress and boost immunity; examples include nutrient-dense foods, herbs and spices as well as supplements like adaptogens.
Functional food does not fit a single definition; according to one European project, its criteria include being similar in appearance to conventional food consumed regularly as part of normal diet and providing physiological benefits beyond basic nutrition.
They are nutrient-dense
Functional foods are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they’re an excellent source of fiber to aid digestion. Berries in particular contain anthocyanins which protect against inflammation while simultaneously helping lower cholesterol levels. But not all functional foods are created equal: Some may contain high concentrations of bioactive ingredients that could have detrimental long-term consequences on our health if consumed continuously over an extended period of time.
How can I incorporate functional foods into my diet? By selecting a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products and functional beverages – such as green tea or cranberry juice. Furthermore, it is a good idea to choose low-sugar products and foods with added salt as these may contribute to weight gain or other health concerns; consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in order to create a dietary plan tailored specifically to you needs.
They are fortified with bioactive compounds
Functional foods are nutritiously-dense foods fortified with bioactive compounds that can improve health and performance. Research suggests they can decrease chronic disease risks while simultaneously improving quality of life and lifespan, providing protection from nutrient deficiencies and supporting growth and development.
Functional ingredients include phytochemicals, probiotics, prebiotics, soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, secondary metabolites and structured lipids derived from plants, animals and other organisms that can be integrated into foods or beverages via extraction, encapsulation or fermentation processes.
Although different legislators around the world define and regulate functional foods differently, most agree that they must have scientifically substantiated claims and be part of a healthy diet. When choosing functional food options it is essential that whole food products rather than supplements be chosen as bioactive compounds work synergistically; for instance consuming beta-carotene from carrots rather than taking a supplement allows your body to better absorb and utilize beta-carotene from food than taking an inactive form such as pills.
They are tasty
Restaurant owners looking to promote the health benefits of functional ingredients must remember that whole food is more effective than single components; carrots containing beta-carotene may help protect against lung cancer; however, to gain this benefit it must be eaten as part of its entire carrot form. Therefore it is crucial that functional foods and superfoods be part of a well-rounded diet plan.
Functional foods cannot be defined precisely, but typically consist of natural or processed food products that contain bioactive compounds with physiological benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. They should not be seen as replacement treatments.
Owing to no laws regulating their usage, most countries have their own definitions and approval processes for functional foods. The European Commission offers one such system through their Concerted Action on Functional Food Science in Europe (FUFOSE) initiative which seeks to develop scientific bases for functional food concepts.
They are convenient
Functional foods can easily fit into a healthy diet. For instance, leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals, nuts that offer heart-healthy fats, and whole grains containing beta-glucan all provide numerous health advantages that can also be combined with nutritious ingredients to create meals that are both delicious and nutritional.
Functional food companies must enact branding strategies to increase consumer acceptance of their products. Studies have indicated that consumers tend to accept functional foods with clear health benefit claims more readily; however, to maximize their effect on health these foods must also be combined with leading a healthy lifestyle.
Functional foods is an expansive term with multiple definitions varying greatly between countries and organizations. For instance, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization uses one that encompasses substances “beyond basic nutrition.” Conversely, Mayo Clinic defines functional foods as those which contain components which positively impact health – though their definition can often vary based on which country one lives.
