Functional foods are gaining popularity in the world of nutrition as people increasingly seek out ways to improve their health through their diet. In this blog post, we will explore what functional foods are, their benefit and how to select the best quality.
What are functional foods?
Functional foods are dietary products that have been formulated to provide specific health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. These can be foods enhanced or fortified by:
- isolating specific functional compounds from its original source so they can be used by the body in a strategic way,
- adding nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or bioactive compounds that work to improve bodily functions,
- making specific compounds more bioavailable to promote optimal health.
They can be made from a variety of sources, including plants and animals.
They are often marketed as health foods or nutraceuticals, and their use is becoming increasingly popular among consumers worldwide.
The potential health benefits of functional foods vary depending on the specific product and the individual consuming it. Functional foods can help to increase energy levels, improve cardiovascular health, digestive health, mood, alertness, and cognitive function etc.
Where do functional foods come from?
Japan introduced the concept of functional foods, also known as “Foods for Specified Health Uses” (FOSHU) in 1991. Japan’s focus on functional foods has been driven by a growing interest in health and wellness, as well as an aging population that is increasingly concerned about preventing chronic diseases and maintaining good health.
How do you add functional foods to your diet?
While most foods provide basic nutrition such as macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), functional foods are interesting to include in your daily food routine. Functional foods are a great addition to a diet based on whole foods. They ensure that the body gets all of the nutrients and bioactive compounds it needs for optimal performance.
Functional foods can be found in a variety of forms, including supplements, bars, and drinks. Good examples of functional food are proteins, ghee, coffee, mct oil and dark chocolate.
How to choose high-quality functional foods?
Functional foods come in different grades. In order to buy a product that is both safe and sufficiently high to achieve the intended benefit, pay attention to the following aspects:
- The source of the ingredients. If possible, choose organic and sustainable.
- The way the ingredients have been processed. Choose processing that makes as many of the functional elements available and keeps them intact.
- Additives. Avoid unnecessary additives such as fillers. Avoid non-natural additives such as preservatives, sweeteners and chemicals.
- Purity. Choose products that have been tested for purity in an independent laboratory.
Finally, taste is an important aspect. You want your functional foods to taste good too.
The brand NoordCode ticks all these boxes with their functional food essentials! Here are some examples of their functional food essentials.
This protein is enhanced with vegan protease complex and coconut MCT’s. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller pieces. This makes the protein powder easily digestible, so you absorb it as complete as possible. Coconut MCTs provide fast energy from fat.
The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends eating 50 grams of protein daily and more if you exercise a lot or are physically active. Use it to get all your proteins and add it to smoothies or use it as a baking ingredient.
This ghee is an upgraded, clarified butter suitable for lactose intolerants. It has all the beneficial fat-soluble vitamins left from butter but the moisture and milk proteins have been removed. Ghee contains a rich diversity of good fatty acids. It is rich in butyric acid, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and Omega 3. NoordCode Pure Ghee has a favourable omega 3/omega 6 ratio because it comes from grass-fed cows. Excellent for baking and cooking.
This creamer contains only C8 MCTs from sustainably grown coconuts. Acacia contains prebiotic fibre, which feeds the gut bacteria. The C8 (octanoic acid or caprylic acid) and C10 (decanoic acid or capric acid) MCTs are rapidly digested and used for energy. Add it to drinks, smoothies and yoghurt, or use it for baking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, functional foods are an important part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. They provide a range of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can help to improve overall wellness. By including a variety of functional foods in the diet, you can maintain optimal health. So, choose your functional foods wisely, and reap the benefits of a healthy diet.