Friday, December 2, 2022

Functional foods

Functional foods. Among the fastest-growing segments of the market are foods with added vitamins and minerals, which aim to help protect against disease and promote wellness.

What are functional foods? Functional foods are ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value. Some types contain supplements or other additional ingredients designed to improve health.

Functional foods cover a variety of foods. Minimally processed, whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods, can all be functional foods. Products considered functional generally do not include products where fortification has been done to meet government regulations and the change is not recorded on the label as a significant addition.

Linking the consumption of functional foods or food ingredients with health claims should be based on sound scientific evidence.

Also known as nutraceuticals, functional foods are highly nutritious and associated with a number of powerful health benefits. Oats, for instance, contain a type of fiber called beta glucan, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve heart health.

Fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, trout and herring, are among some of the best choices. They are lower in mercury and have higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower risk of heart disease.

Omega-3 enriched eggs: May lower triglycerides, cholesterol, and reduce the risk for coronary heart disease.

Similarly, fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help protect against disease.

Tomatoes and tomato products. The phytochemical lycopene’s in the reduction of prostate cancer, but it also may reduce the risk of certain other cancers, and heart disease.
Functional foods

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