Functional foods are an excellent way to build and sustain a healthy diet, helping prevent and alleviate heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol levels and osteoporosis. Plus they’re packed full of nutrition and energy!
Functional food markets are expanding, with consumers becoming increasingly interested in these ingredients. Functional foods contain nutritious items like fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains; in some cases these contain flavonoids or probiotics as bioactive ingredients as well.
They are nutrient-dense
Nutritious functional foods are part of a healthful eating pattern that contributes to greater well-being and reduced disease risks. These foods contain bioactive components with specific physiological and functional effects – for instance, plant sterols in margarine can lower cholesterol levels.
Functional food can be broadly defined as foods that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods typically contain bioactive compounds which work synergistically to enhance biological processes like immunity or digestive function – possibly providing protection from chronic diseases as well.
Functional foods include whole fruits such as berries and nuts that provide essential dietary fiber, while being nutritional powerhouses with beneficial properties, such as protecting against inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. Furthermore, functional food also includes low-sodium salt substitutes, protein hydrolysates and high erucic acid rapeseed oils which qualify as functional products if they meet certain criteria outlined here:
They are low in fat
Functional foods offer a new approach to satisfying consumer demand for healthful eating, designed to prevent disease and enhance quality of life. A departure from traditional nutritional supplements, they address specific dietary needs for those suffering from conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Although no legal definition exists for functional foods, several countries have created their own criteria. Japan regulates them as “Foods for Specialized Health Uses” while in Europe the Food and Drug Administration governs products with scientifically-substantiated claims as functional food products.
To reap the full benefits of functional foods, be sure to incorporate a wide range of nutritious food groups such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products into your diet. Also avoid added sugar and sodium intake and consult a registered dietitian nutritionist about creating a healthful diet; finally read food labels carefully in order to select those offering more nutrition.
They are high in fiber
Functional foods have the power to positively alter health and well-being by optimizing nutrient intake, lowering disease risks or improving outcomes. They often contain bioactive compounds that work synergistically or additively to influence physiological processes; typically combining conventional whole foods with fortified or enriched versions such as vegetables, berries, low-fat dairy products or fish as well as foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids or plant sterols.
Functional foods have no universally accepted definition, but can generally be defined as processed foods with health-promoting and disease-prevention benefits beyond their nutritional value. This term includes dietary supplements as well as foods modified to reduce sodium or fat. Functional food has become popular with younger consumers looking for flavorful ways to meet wellness goals that incorporate culinary influences; moreover, consumers tend to accept health claims on packaging, leading to sales increases for manufacturers of these products.
They are low in sugar
Functional foods encompass a range of ingredients, such as fruit and vegetable-rich diets, fortified or enriched foods, dietary supplements and even fruit drinks with nutritional properties that benefit health, such as antioxidants or anti-microbial compounds. Functional food may even lower risk or promote wellbeing through other mechanisms.
Oatmeal is often considered a functional food due to its beta glucan content, which helps manage cholesterol levels. Salmon and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as whole grain foods with plenty of fiber are all examples of functional foods which may help prevent and treat diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
The FDA regulates functional food claims on labels. When making your assessment of whether a product falls into this category, reading its label and ingredients carefully is key in order to make an accurate judgment call. Husch Blackwell can assist you in selecting an appropriate category that meets all applicable regulatory standards.
