“Functional Foods” Naturally a Part of a Healthy Diet

First posted on 05-19-2008

Americans want to be healthy and they are looking for foods that can help achieve that goal.

“More and more, we are purchasing foods which we understand are not only nutritious but also provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains. We call them functional foods,” said Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Many people consume functional foods without knowing it.

For example, if you eat oatmeal to help lower cholesterol, you are eating a functional food.

Fatty fish, such as salmon, and walnuts contain omega 3 fatty acids which may help lower the risk for heart disease.

Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that may reduce the risk for prostate cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration just to name a few.

Dairy foods may help protect against high blood pressure, colon cancer and help with weight control.

“Some manufacturers add herbs, vitamins and minerals to their product but that does not necessarily mean there are healthful benefits. One way to know if there is a valid health benefit is if there is a health claim on the label,” said Roberts.

Through the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, health claims can be authorized only if there is significant scientific agreement among qualified experts regarding the claim.

“Generally foods that have a Food and Drug Administration approved health claim are supported by two dozen or more published clinical trials,” said Roberts.

Currently there are 14 approved health claims allowed on food labels.

Some of these health claims include calcium for the reduced risk of osteoporosis, low sodium for reduced risk of high blood pressure, low dietary fat for reduced risk of cancer, low saturated fat and cholesterol for reduced risk of coronary heart disease, fiber for reduced risk of some types of cancer, fruits vegetables and grain products high in soluble fiber for decreased risk of heart disease, and sugar alcohols for reduced risk of dental cavities.

“It is well established that a healthful diet is one key to lifelong health. The best way to enjoy the benefits that functional foods can offer is to choose a wide variety of foods from the five food groups. Include whole grains, vary fruits and vegetables, and eat fish, lean meats and poultry and low-fat dairy products,” said Roberts.

For more information on nutrition issues, contact any of the University of Missouri Extension offices in southwest Missouri, go online to http://extension.missouri.edu or contact one of the two nutrition and health education specialists working in the Ozarks: Tammy Roberts, (417) 682-3579 or Terry Egan, (417) 866-3039.