Functional Foods - nutrifoodsupplements

Functional Food:

Functional foods are foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These foods contain bioactive compounds that may have positive effects on health when consumed as part of a regular diet. Functional foods can be natural, whole foods or they may be fortified or enriched with additional nutrients or bioactive compounds.

Here are some examples of functional foods and their associated health benefits:

Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Examples: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi.

Health Benefits: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and may improve digestion. They can also contribute to a balanced microbiome.

Fruits and Vegetables

Examples: Berries, leafy greens, broccoli, garlic.

Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, fruits and vegetables support overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Rich Foods

Examples: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts.

Health Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to heart health, support brain function, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Functional Beverages

Examples: Green tea, herbal teas, fortified drinks.

Health Benefits: Certain teas, like green tea, contain antioxidants. Fortified beverages may contain added vitamins, minerals, or other bioactive compounds.

Whole Grains

Examples: Quinoa, oats, brown rice.

Health Benefits: Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They may contribute to heart health and help regulate blood sugar.

Nuts and Seeds

Examples: Almonds, flaxseeds, chia seeds.

Health Benefits: Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and various nutrients. They may support heart health and provide sustained energy.

Functional Dairy Products

Examples: Fortified milk, omega-3 enriched eggs.

Health Benefits: Fortified dairy products can provide additional nutrients such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Spices and Herbs

Examples: Turmeric, ginger, garlic.

Health Benefits: Many herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Fermented Food as Functional Food

Fermented foods are a category of functional foods that undergo controlled microbial growth and enzymatic conversions, resulting in the production of compounds like organic acids, vitamins, and bioactive peptides. These foods can have various health benefits due to the presence of probiotics, live beneficial bacteria, and other bioactive compounds formed during the fermentation process. Here are some examples of fermented foods and their potential health benefits. Examples: Yogurt, Kefir, sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso, Tempeh, Natto, pickles.

Probiotics

All these fermented foods have probiotics. When choosing functional foods with probiotics, it’s essential to consider factors such as the specific strains included, the number of live cultures, and the overall nutritional profile of the product.

Functional food beverages

Functional food beverages refer to drinks that go beyond basic hydration and provide additional health benefits due to the inclusion of bioactive compounds, nutrients, or functional ingredients. These beverages are formulated to promote health and well-being beyond their basic nutritional content. Here are some examples of functional food beverages: Examples: Green Tea, Herbal Tea, Fruits and vegetable juices; Probiotic Drinks, Functional water, Energy drinks, Protein Shakes, Adaptogenic beverages, specific fortified beverages like, added vitamin mineral and other bioactive compounds.

Functional foods high in dietary fibre

Functional foods high in dietary fibre are beneficial for digestive health, can help regulate blood sugar levels, contribute to weight management, and provide a range of other health benefits. Here are some examples of functional foods that are rich in dietary fiber: legumes, whole grains, Fruits, vegetables, nuts, Psyllium husk, Chia seeds, Flax seeds. Bran flakes, sweet potatoes.

Functional foods as super foods

Super food is used to describe foods that are nutrient-dense and believed to provide health benefits due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. Keep in mind that the concept of superfoods doesn’t imply that these foods alone can guarantee optimal health; rather, it emphasizes the nutritional richness of certain foods.

Here are some examples of foods commonly referred to as superfoods: Berries, Leafy Greens, Nuts seeds, almonds, walnuts. Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Quinoa is a whole grain that is high in protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals. Turmeric contains curcumin, green tea is rich in antioxidants, Chia seeds are high in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.