المنتجات الغذائية الوظيفية

Functional Foods and Therapeutic Nutrients

• Functional foods are foods that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
• There's no single definition, but they're often considered foods that provide nutrients and have physiological effects.
• Functional foods can also be nutrient-enhanced foods with added beneficial ingredients.
• They are foods with certain components having health effects, apart from basic nutritional value.

Types of Functional Foods

• Conventional functional foods: Naturally occurring foods prepared in a specific way, combined with nutrient-rich ingredients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants). Examples include mixing extracts from nuts and fruits
• Modified functional food: Foods to which precise, bioactive components are added to enhance health benefits, such as adding probiotics or soluble fiber. Examples include fortified cereals and milk alternatives for people with milk sensitivities, nuts and almond milk for diabetics.

Sources of Functional Foods

• Microorganisms: Probiotics (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) - protect or treat diseases and improve health. Some food companies add them to milk and dairy products.
• Animals: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and seafood) offer numerous health benefits, but excessive intake can lead to blood thinning and potential bleeding. Fish oil also contains high levels of vitamins D and A, and excessive consumption can lead to their accumulation in the liver and negatively affect its functions. Fish liver and skin can accumulate pollutants and pesticides from the environment.
• Plants: Phytochemicals (e.g., carotenoids – alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin) - and dietary fibers (insoluble and soluble) - are naturally occurring compounds in plants that offer many potential health benefits.

Functional Foods and Disease Prevention

• Functional foods are significant in preventing diseases and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, and in promoting growth and development in children.
• The United States is a large consumer of functional foods, and their production value reached USD 44 billion in 2018 (approx 60% of people consume them).
• Research indicates the potential of functional foods to prevent illnesses.

Functional Foods and Obesity Prevention

• Foods like leafy greens (spinach, kale, parsley), legumes (beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas), and fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) are helpful in weight-loss programs due to their low calorie content and high fiber content. Leafy greens are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Legumes are protein and fiber-rich, keeping people full for longer, aiding weight loss. Fatty fish are also low in calories and high in Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients beneficial for health, including vision and heart health, as well as supporting thyroid function and metabolism.

Functional Foods & Diabetes Prevention

• Dairy products: Studies suggest that milk and dairy products can influence insulin production. However, high-carbohydrate dairy products can negatively affect blood sugar levels.
• Leafy greens, whole grains, legumes help manage blood sugar levels due to their fiber content.
• Nuts and seeds help prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Green tea and tea types are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols; their ability to regulate metabolism and reduce fat absorption can assist with weight management and help prevent diabetes.
• Prebiotics: These non-digestible carbohydrates feed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. They can reduce blood sugar levels and improve sugar metabolism. Calcium-rich foods and dairy products can also positively impact blood sugar.

Importance of Functional Foods & Health Consciousness

• There is growing public awareness of healthy eating and avoiding illnesses.
• Rise in healthcare costs motivate individuals to improve and maintain their health.
• Advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering create a market for diverse foods.
• Government regulations and standards further promote functional foods.
• The interest in Functional food and Nutraceuticals is highlighted, offering potential benefits and treatments.

Additional Information

• Different types of diabetes exist (type 1, type 2, gestational).
• Diabetes can result in various complications (e.g., stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, retinopathy, neuropathy).
• A "glycemic index" (GI) scale measures how quickly foods raise blood sugar. Lower GI foods are better for managing diabetes.
• There exists a Google Forms questionnaire for further research on dietary needs.

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