Functional Foods

Definition

Functional foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. They provide essential nutrients or help with certain health conditions.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Functional foods contain bioactive compounds that can improve health outcomes, reduce the risk of disease, and promote optimal health. These foods include conventional items as well as modified foods enriched with bioactive substances such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, or fibers.

Benefits

• May improve heart health
• Could enhance digestive health
• Might boost immune function
• Potentially reduce disease risk
• May support bone health

Examples

• Oats enriched with beta-glucan
• Probiotic yogurt
• Fortified orange juice with calcium
• Soy-based foods
• Tomatoes rich in lycopene

Additional Information

• effects: Functional foods can have positive effects such as enhancing the body's defense against diseases and supporting overall well-being.

Related Terms

• Nutraceuticals
• Dietary supplements
• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Bioactive compounds

References

• Functional Foods: Benefits and Challenges
• The Role of Functional Foods in the Human Diet