What are Functional Foods?
With increasing health consciousness among consumers, functional foods have gained immense popularity globally. While regular foods provide basic nutrition to sustain life, they provide added health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They help reduce the risk of diseases and improve physical and cognitive functions of the body.
They are natural or processed foods that contain known or unknown biologically-active compounds. These compounds provide a clinically proven and documented health benefit for reducing the risk of chronic diseases beyond basic nutritional functions.
History
The concept of Functional Foods can be traced back to traditions of Eastern medicine where certain foods were consumed specifically for their health benefits. The concept gained recognition in the 1980s when Japanese researchers coined the term “ Foods for Specified Health Use (FOSHU)” to regulate its products. Since then, many countries have developed regulatory frameworks for them.
Classification
Functional foods are broadly classified based on the physiological benefit they provide:
Cardiovascular Health
Foods like oats, barley, oranges, salmon and nuts help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber in oats binds to cholesterol in the gut and prevents its absorption. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish reduce inflammation and plaque formation in arteries.
Gut Health
Probiotic foods like yogurt contain live beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Prebiotic foods like onions, garlic and bananas contain non-digestible fibers that nourish probiotics in the gut. They regulate bowel movement and support natural defenses against infections.
Bone Health
Foods rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, salmon support bone mineralization and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. These nutrients are essential for formation and maintenance of bone structure.
Brain Health
Fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green tea and dark chocolate contain compounds that positively impact brain structure and function with age. Compounds like flavonoids protect neurons from oxidative damage, reducing risks of cognitive decline and neurological disorders.
Immunity
Foods containing antioxidants like berries, citrus fruits, turmeric, ginger, garlic support the immune system and protect the body against infections and inflammation. Vitamin C, zinc and bioactive compounds in these foods stimulate production of pathogen-fighting cells.
Cancer Prevention
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage along with tomatoes, berries and citrus fruits are rich sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect against DNA damage and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Compounds like lycopene, indole-3-carbinol and resveratrol specifically benefit certain cancer types.
Sources and Development
Nature provides functional foods in the forms of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices used traditionally or as a part of regional cuisines. Advances in food science and technology have enabled fortification or enrichment of staple foods with specific functional ingredients.
Probiotic yogurts with added gut friendly bacteria are a classic example. Plant breeding and biotechnology are utilized to develop functional cultivars of fruits and vegetables with enhanced levels of health-promoting compounds. Fermentation is another approach yielding foods with increased bioavailability and stability of functional compounds. Extraction techniques help concentrate active ingredients from natural sources into supplements or food ingredients.
Regulatory Framework
Regulations governing functional foods vary globally. In the USA, such foods are classified as conventional foods or dietary supplements based on the format and marketing claims. Health claims require scientific agreement by authoritative bodies. EU has a positive list of allowed health claims for foods. In Japan, they are called Foods for Specified Health Use (FOSHU) and strictly regulated by the government. Codex Alimentarius establishes international regulatory standards to ensure functionality and safety of such foods. Developing consensus on definitions, safety evaluation protocols, labeling norms is important to facilitate international trade.
Consumer Perspective
Awareness about functional benefits drives purchasing decisions. Younger populations with health consciousness find value in functional ingredients that offer more than basic nutrition. Clean label products with natural, organic and less processed ingredients see greater appeal due to safety concerns. Claims require credibility assessment. Price sensitivity still dictates choices for certain population segments in developing countries where such foods may not be affordable. Thus, regulatory, commercial and socioeconomic factors together influence consumer adoption and industry growth prospects of it globally.
With evolving nutritional needs to maintain wellness, it occupy an important space in the global food industry landscape. Their clinically-proven role in reducing lifestyle disease risks through diet generates tremendous commercial opportunities alongside health benefits. Cutting edge food science and technology will continue to innovate new functional food varieties addressing disease-specific requirements. If developed and regulated responsibly with consideration to relevant socioeconomic factors impacting accessibility, they are poised for sustainable growth worldwide to support public health goals.
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About Authors
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice’s dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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