
Functional foods and drinks are those that offer additional health advantages to consumers apart from their fundamental nutritional value. Instances of such products encompass foods that have been enriched with salutary nutrients or foods that are devoid of specific components, such as lactose-free or gluten-free options.
Vital nutrients are essential components that the human body necessitates to carry out its fundamental operations. Since the human body lacks the capability to synthesize these nutrients, they must be consumed through our daily dietary intake. Nutrients fulfill one or multiple of three fundamental roles: supplying energy, contributing to the formation of bodily tissues, and/or overseeing the regulation of biochemical reactions within the body.healthy functional food ingredients
The seven fundamental elements of nutrition consist of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, calcium, fiber, and iron. Carbohydrates play a crucial role in supplying our bodies with the necessary energy.
1.2 Components of Functional Foods
The key elements that constitute functional foods are carotenoids, isothiocyanates, dietary fiber, phenolic acids, fatty acids, plant stanols and sterols, flavonoids, polyols, soy protein, prebiotics and probiotics, phytoestrogens, vitamins, as well as minerals. These components contribute significantly to the overall nutritional and health benefits associated with functional foods.
The three principal categories of nourishment encompass those that furnish energy, promote bodily development, and offer protective benefits. Foods that contribute energy primarily consist of carbohydrates and fats.
The Roles of Food: Food serves as a crucial source of energy for both humans and animals. Not only does it supply the necessary energy to perform daily tasks and physical activities, but it also plays a pivotal role in regulating body temperature. Furthermore, food aids in the repair of damaged cells and tissues, ensuring the body's continued health and functionality. Additionally, it maintains a balanced water level within the body, which is essential for various bodily functions. Published on 3rd July 2022.
Functional foods are described as those that, apart from their nutritional content, also possess additional components that could potentially promote better health. Likewise, the Mayo Clinic characterizes these foods as "those that offer a potentially beneficial impact on health, extending beyond the basic nutritional benefits" (2).
An active component refers to any substance that exhibits biologically active or direct effects in the diagnosis, therapy, alleviation, management, or prophylaxis of illnesses, or in modifying the anatomy or any bodily function of humans or animals.
Sourdough bread stands out among commercial and bakery breads due to its numerous health advantages. The extensive fermentation process it undergoes breaks down gluten, rendering it more digestible. Furthermore, it's enriched with lactic acid, which facilitates the absorption of nutrients in your body. Additionally, sourdough bread contains prebiotics that contribute to the overall health of your microbiome.
Certain widely consumed nutraceuticals encompass ginseng, Echinacea, green tea extracts, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, folic acid, and cod liver oil. The bulk of these nutraceuticals exhibit diverse therapeutic benefits.