What are "functional foods" and how have they been appropriated by the food industry?


Functional foods are foods or food ingredients that offer specific health benefits beyond those supplied by the traditional nutrients they contain. Many functional foods come in their natural forms. A tomato, for example, is a functional food because it contains the phytonutrient lycopene, thought to reduce the risk for prostate cancer. Other examples of functional foods are kale, broccoli, blueberries, red grapes, and green tea.

The term "functional food," however, has been used primarily as a marketing tool by the food industry to attract consumers. Unlike fortified foods, which have been modified to help prevent nutrient deficiencies, functional foods are created by the food industry by the addition of ingredients aimed at treating or preventing symptoms or disease. In functional foods, the added ingredient(s) is typically not found in the food item in its natural form but is added to allow manufacturers to make appealing health claims?.

Health & Biomechanics

You might also like to view...

Which male organ produces testosterone?

A. Cowper's gland B. prostate gland C. seminal vesicles D. testes

Health & Biomechanics

Radiation therapy that is administered at a distance from the body is known as ____________________

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Health & Biomechanics

Treatment for type 1 diabetes may require several daily injections with a needle and syringe

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Health & Biomechanics

Which of the following is an acute response to exercise?

a. A decrease in resting heart rate b. An increase in heart rate during exercise c. A change in body composition d. An increase in the strength of a muscle

Health & Biomechanics