Functional foods are everyday foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often due to natural compounds or added bioactive ingredients.
Key Categories
They fall into conventional types (whole foods rich in nutrients like antioxidants or fiber, such as berries, oats, salmon, and broccoli) and modified types (fortified or enhanced, like probiotic yogurt, omega-3 eggs, or vitamin D milk). Both aim to support functions like immunity, heart health, or digestion when part of a regular diet.
Common Examples
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Conventional: Fruits (berries, citrus), vegetables (kale, tomatoes), nuts/seeds, fatty fish, whole grains, fermented foods (kimchi, kefir).
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Modified: Fortified cereals, calcium-enriched orange juice, fiber-added bread.
| Category | Examples | Benefit Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Oats, berries, salmon | Fiber, antioxidants, omega-3s |
| Modified | Probiotic yogurt, fortified milk | Gut health, bone support |
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