The Role of Functional Foods in Maintaining Optimal Health Status

Hey People ! We all are well aware that functional foods have gained huge popularity among health and wellness enthusiasts in recent times , isn’t it ? They are also known as nutraceuticals, these power foods are immensely rich in nutrients and linked with an array of health-benefiting properties.

What are Functional Foods?

Functional foods are bestowed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber. Including a rich array of functional foods in the regular diet regimen support meeting the nutrient demands and safeguards the body against nutrient deficiencies. Functional foods are foods that offer health benefits beyond their nutritional value. In addition to nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits and veggies, the category also includes foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and fiber. Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and legumes are often considered functional foods

Types of Functional Foods

• Carotenoids — Prevents cell damage in the body

Example: carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach.

• Lutein, Zeaxanthin — Supports maintenance of eye health

Example : kale, collards, spinach, corn, eggs, citrus fruits, asparagus.

• Lycopene — Supports maintenance of prostate health

Example: Tomatoes and processed tomato products, watermelon.

• Anthocyanins — Supports maintenance of healthy brain function

Example: Berries, cherries, red grapes

• Flavanols- Supports maintenance of heart health

Example: Tea, cocoa, chocolate, apples, grapes

Functional Foods Sources These foods are typically categorised into conventional and modified.

• Conventional foods: are natural, whole foods that are abundant in vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
• Modified foods: are those that are fortified ( Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients (i.e., vitamins and minerals) in a food or condiment to improve the nutritional quality of the food) with additional components like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, or fibre to supplement food’s health benefits.

Health Benefits Of Functional Foods

• It Promotes gut microbe by offering live microbial cultures(probiotics) and thus bolstering the immune system.
• It Provides prebiotics that supports to feed probiotics.
• Functional foods Lower the attack of pathogenic bacteria and microbes.
• Functional foods safeguard the brain cells from free radical damage, boosts mental health and cognitive functions
• Functional foods Help in cleansing the system, shed surplus kilos, and managing weight.
• It Maintains normal lipid profile and blood pressure, as well as controlling normal heart rhythms.
• Functional foods supports in building and maintaining bone density.

In Conclusion, A well-rounded, healthy diet should be rich in a variety of functional foods, including nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods not only supply your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs but also support overall health. Furthermore, functional foods may help prevent nutrient deficiencies, protect against disease, and promote proper growth and development. It can be beneficial to boost your intake of important nutrients, fill any gaps in your diet and support overall health.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functional-foods

https://foodinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Final-Functional-Foods-Backgrounder.pdf

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Functional-Foods.aspx