Functional foods are fortified with additional nutrients and go beyond basic sustenance, offering various health benefits that cater to specific bodily functions.
This new trend towards functional eating represents a paradigm shift in dietary habits, with consumers increasingly seeking out products that taste good, but also support their overall health and well-being.
Functional foods encompass a wide range of edibles, from everyday staples to specialised products, all of them designed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Unlike conventional foods, functional foods are fortified with additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals, all of which are known to promote health and prevent disease. These ingredients are carefully selected for their specific biological effects, targeting heart health, digestion, immunity, inflammation and cognitive function.
One of the primary advantages of incorporating functional foods into your diet is to promote overall health and well-being. By adding these nutrient-dense foods, you boost your immune system, improve your digestive health, regulate cholesterol levels, and even enhance brain function. Functional foods have also been shown to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers, making them invaluable additions to a balanced diet.
Functional foods come in various forms, from common grocery items to specialised health products. We’ve put together a few examples of items that you can add to your shopping list.
FORTIFIED BREAKFAST CEREALS
Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin D, providing essential nutrients to start the day.
PLANT-BASED MEAT ALTERNATIVES
These products, made from ingredients such as pea protein, are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals and provide a meat-free protein source.
GREEN TEA
Rich in antioxidants called catechins, green tea supports immune function, metabolism and cardiovascular health.
FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGES
From vitamin-enhanced waters to energy drinks fortified with electrolytes and amino acids, functional beverages offer targeted health benefits in a convenient form, especially if you live an active lifestyle.
PROBIOTIC YOGURT
Fortified with live beneficial bacteria, probiotic yogurt promotes gut health and aids in digestion.
