Getting into the meat of functional foods

Yes, there are such things as "functional foods." There’s been a lot (and very meaty, too) of evidence showing the link between medicine and food. Yes, there are foods that heal (and it certainly won’t hurt to find out what these are). In the interest of consumers, Food Facts Asia recently came out with chockful of info about functional foods.

Says Food Facts Asia: "Traditional medicine recognized the link between diet and health thousands of years ago. In some Asian countries, such as China and Japan, the belief that ‘food and medicine come from the same source and serve the same purpose’ has been established for many centuries. This link has taken center stage with the emergence of dietary supplements and functional foods..."

The International Food Information Council describes functional foods as "foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. In Japan, over 200 food products have been approved as "foods for specific health use" (FOSHU). Samples are foods fortified with phytochemicals or botanicals, and foods and beverages enriched with ingredients like calcium in orange juice, etc. So bone up on your orange juice.

Lately, researchers have been digging into new foods that could help reduce cholesterol or prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They have zeroed in on vitamins B6, B12 and D, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, soy protein, peptides, isoflavones, avocado oil, coenzyme Q10, xylitol, manitol, among other food components.

News has spread, too, about margarines rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids that are continuously being developed to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Dairy foods, too, are being made more and more probiotic bacteria-friendly to promote gut health. Cereals and grains are being fortified with calcium, vitamins C and E. The health-conscious Japanese have also come up with fermented drinks and drinks with plant extracts, vitamins, calcium lactate, and dietary fiber.

However, you must take all these bits of info with a dash of caution: "Consumers should be aware that for many, there is little or no scientific evidence of health benefits," says Food Facts Asia.

Plus this friendly reminder from the American Dietetic Association: Functional foods have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis, at effective levels. Besides, excessive intake of certain beneficial foods can tip the balance of a healthy diet – thus, moderation is the key.

Craving for more info? Visit www.afic.org and have a feast.