Journal of Nutraceuticals and Health

Functional foods

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Functional foods have health advantages in addition to essential nutrition. They are rich in bioactive components like vitamins, proteins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which may improve general health and prevent illness. Examples of functional foods are fortified cereals, probiotic yogurt, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like flaxseeds and fish. These foods may assist in lowering the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

By adding new components or more of already-existing elements, a food is said to have an additional function (usually one that has to do with promoting health or preventing sickness). The phrase may also refer to characteristics intentionally bred into already-existing food plants, such as purple or gold potatoes with higher levels of carotenoid or anthocyanin, respectively. Beyond their fundamental nutritional purposes, functional foods can be "designed to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic disease." They can look like traditional foods and be included in a regular diet.

The two types of functional foods: Modified and Ordinary.

Natural, whole-food ingredients that are high in vital elements like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats are what make up conventional foods.

To boost a food's health advantages, modified foods have been fortified with extra substances like fiber, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrient-rich whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are among the many functional foods that should make up a well-rounded, healthful diet.  These meals promote general health in addition to giving your body the vitamins and minerals it requires.

Functional foods that have been modified and fortified can also be incorporated into a balanced diet. By increasing your consumption of vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, heart-healthy fats, or probiotics, they can improve your health and help close any gaps in your diet that may be causing nutrient deficiencies.

Food that offers one or more health benefits beyond its typical nutritional value is referred to as functional food. "Whole foods along with fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods that have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet regularly at effective levels based on significant standards of evidence" is how the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2013) defines functional foods. Given the prevalence of lifestyle disorders including obesity, diabetes, and cancer as well as cardiovascular-related conditions like blood pressure and cholesterol, functional foods have attracted a lot of attention.