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13. Functional foods: Definition and importance

Functional foods refer to food products that provide additional health benefits beyond those offered by basic nutrition. These cover a wide range of foods, including minimally processed foods, whole foods, fortified foods, and enriched foods. Examples include fruits, vegetables, certain types of fish, and fermented products.

Functional foods offer a wide range of positive health effects. Some of their purported benefits include prevention of nutritional deficiencies, a reduced risk of certain diseases (e.g. heart disease, cancer, and diabetes), and supported growth and development in infants.

Close up of happy black woman eating healthy salad with green fresh ingredients. Smiling vegetarian woman holds bowl of fresh salad while eating tomatoes and carrot with fork.

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.