Functional foods: Meaning, role, and health benefits
In this age of rapid technological advancement and innovation, science has made it possible for us humans to find several new ways to add value to our lives. Of these, one is functional foods, which have recently gained massive popularity in the realm of health and wellness. From their meaning to use and health benefits, here's everything you should know about them.
Meaning: Let's understand what functional foods are
Functional foods are processed foods that offer stellar medical or health benefits. In simple terms, they offer benefits beyond their nutritional capacity. Also called nutraceuticals, they are neither preventive nor curative and are considered to be those that are fortified, enriched, or enhanced in nature. They are used to tackle nutrient deficiencies and boost growth and development in people.
History: Japan was the first country to invent them
Japan was the first country to introduce the concept of functional foods to the world. They came up with it in the 1980s when they had set up a government agency that approved foods with proven benefits. This was done to better the health of the general population at large. Since then, they have been a popular concept around the world.
Some examples of functional foods
Some examples of functional foods that are quite commonly available are fortified dairy products like milk and yogurt, fortified staples like bread and pasta, and fortified cereals and granola. Nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are also heavily considered functional foods.
Role: They aim at offering a healthy survival
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, functional foods have "demonstrated physiological benefits and can reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions, including maintenance of gut health." Healthline reports that in Jordan, iron-fortified wheat flour was introduced which decreased the rates of anemia in children to nearly half.
Health benefits: They cut down the risk of diseases
Experts believe that functional or fortified foods play a massive role in offering nutritional support when one is going through a deficiency of carbs, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Since many of them are especially rich in antioxidants, they prevent various diseases by neutralizing free radicals and preventing cell damage. Many have overcome chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes with functional foods.
