What Are Functional Foods and How Can They Be Part of a Balanced Diet?
There are a lot of buzzwords out there related to nutrition, health, and wellness. Most buzzwords refer to fads that come and go, but others are worth taking notice. One seemingly new trend is functional foods, which have been a nutritional option since the 1980s. However, there are some exciting new advancements in this food range.
What Are Functional Foods?
This food range originated in Japan in the 1980s and was adopted in many countries around the world. It began with the concept of fortifying “everyday foods” with additional vitamins. For example, many non-dairy and cow’s milk products are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Fortified foods are still widely available and help ensure that you access easy-to-absorb nutrients.
While you can take vitamins and supplements of every kind, many are so hard to digest that they pass through your digestive tract without being absorbed. The nutrients in food are easier to absorb, store, and use than supplements. You may still take supplements, but the majority of your vitamins and minerals should be derived from the foods you eat.
The Second Generation of Functional Foods
Superfoods are the second generation of functional foods. These are foods naturally high in antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
This includes whole-food sources such as:
Fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Legumes
Low-processed whole grains
Fermented foods
Herbs and spices
Herbal teas
The Current Generation of Functional Foods
The newest generation of functional foods refers to supplements, snacks, add-in powders, and products infused with goal-oriented natural ingredients. These products are formulated to make it more convenient to access natural nutritional sources.
For example, collagen protein powders or low-sugar electrolyte powders that can be mixed into water. Or the continued trend of gummy vitamins. While easier for your body to absorb than capsules, gummy vitamins are surprisingly high in sugar. You can also find a growing number of healthy snacks that are made with superfoods and fortified with healthful natural ingredients.
Many, but not all, food products in this category offer goal-oriented support such as improved:
Cognitive performance
Energy levels
Physical endurance
Post-workout recovery
Sleep and relaxation
Anti-aging and skin care
Mental health
Bone health
Heart health
Gut health
Although designed for function, not all foods in this category are healthful. For example, ice cream infused with vegetables is still dessert.
How to Add More Functional Foods to Your Diet?
Switching from a diet high in processed foods to a diet high in a diverse range of whole and minimally-processed foods can transform your whole-body health. You can take things to the next level, by personalizing your nutrition with foods that support your individual needs. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you don’t have to go it alone.
Working with a nutritionist provides you with a personalized meal plan. Unlike fad diets, deprivation isn’t the goal. Positive change and reduced caloric intake, yes. Walking around hungry and counting down the seconds until your next meal—no.
Best of all, your meal plan includes flavor-packed foods and snacks that you enjoy.
Ready to Transform Your Health?
Functional foods provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals that you require to thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to Nina’s Nutritional Values today!