Functional food is a term increasingly bandied about in nutritional circles, but questions remain as to the exact definition of the phrase. Jennifer K. Nelson, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, describes them as "foods that have a potentially positive effect on health," but notes that this description could apply to just about any food, as even junk food provides energy in the form of calories. In most cases, however, the term is used to describe food that goes above and beyond simple sustenance.
What Makes a Food Functional?
In order for a food to be called functional, it has to do more than supply calories, vitamins and minerals. The Japanese have used the term "functional food" since the 1980s, and the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare regulates which foods are allowed to claim functional status. In Canada, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food considers functional foods those that have physiological benefits or help your body resist disease in ways that go beyond basic nutrition. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has not defined the term "functional foods" in its own lexicon of nutritional terminology, but it does regulate the health claims that food manufacturers may make about their products.
Types of Functional Foods
Functional food can come in a variety of forms. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the most basic functional foods are those with no added ingredients, such as carrots, which contain antioxidants, or oat bran, which contains beta-glucan fiber. Functional foods can also be processed foods with ingredients added, such as calcium-enriched orange juice. Other functional foods may be specially enhanced through selective breeding, genetic engineering or special livestock feeding. Lastly, functional foods can also exist as isolated preparations derived from foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil.
Examples of Functional Foods
Foods identified as functional often undergo a surge in popularity as their healthful properties become public knowledge. Green tea is one such item. The discover of phytochemicals called catechins have made this drink popular due to its potential to reduce cancer risk, according to the University of Illinois Functional Foods for Health Program. Yogurt and other fermented dairy products are valued for their probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can improve digestive health.
Using Functional Foods
To derive the greatest benefit from the foods you eat, make sure your diet is balanced and includes all of the basic food groups. Read food labels and pay attention to news stories about nutritional research, but maintain a skeptical mind. You can't believe the results of every purported nutritional breakthrough, but when numerous studies reveal the same benefit from a particular food, you may want to consider introducing that product into your own nutritional repertoire.
References
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; What Are Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals?; April 2009
- MayoClinic.com; What are Functional Foods; Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D., L.D.; June 2010
- University of Illinois Functional Foods for Health Program: Examples of Functional Foods
- Dairy Council of California: The Quest for Optimal Health: what YOu Need to Know About Functional Foods
- NutriWatch; Functional Foods: Their Role in Disease Prevension and Health Promotion; Claire M. Hasler, Ph.D.
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