Daily Current Affairs : 15-November-2023
Functional foods go beyond simple nutrition; they offer additional physiological benefits to consumers. Coined in Japan in the early 1980s, the term “functional food” refers to processed foods that contribute to disease prevention and health promotion, going beyond their nutritive value.
Origins and Recognition in Japan
Japan holds a special place in the functional food landscape. It not only coined the term but also established the Food for Specified Health Use (FOSHU) category in 1991. This regulatory framework makes Japan the only country recognizing functional foods as a distinct category. The Japanese functional food market is renowned globally for its advancement.
Defining Functional Foods
A precise definition of functional foods reveals their dual role – they are processed foods with disease-preventing and health-promoting benefits, in addition to their nutritive value. Importantly, they aren’t standalone preventatives or curatives and are usually non-essential to the basic diet.
Diverse Types of Functional Foods
Functional foods come in various forms, encompassing fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods. Bioactive compounds are a hallmark found in significant quantities in these foods. Broadly speaking, functional foods include those enriched with:
- Dietary Fiber
- Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
- Carotenoids
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
Almonds as Functional Foods: A Health Boost
A recent paper has affirmed that almonds fall under the category of functional foods, linking them to various health benefits. This adds another layer to the multifaceted world of functional foods, showcasing their versatility in promoting well-being.
Important Points:
- Functional Foods Overview:
- Broadly defined as foods providing more than simple nutrition.
- Supply additional physiological benefits to consumers.
- Coined in Japan in the early 1980s.
- Japan introduced the Food for Specified Health Use (FOSHU) category in 1991.
- Japanese Leadership:
- Japan is the only country recognizing functional foods as a distinct category.
- The Japanese functional food market is globally renowned for its advancement.
- Definition of Functional Foods:
- Processed foods with disease-preventing and health-promoting benefits.
- Not standalone preventatives or curatives.
- Typically non-essential to the basic diet.
- Diverse Types:
- Encompass fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods.
- Bioactive compounds, a hallmark found in significant quantities.
- Bioactive Compounds:
- Found in functional foods like those enriched with dietary fiber, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics.
- Almonds as Functional Foods:
- A recent paper confirms almonds are associated with several health benefits.
- Almonds showcased as part of the versatile world of functional foods.
- Affirms the multifaceted role of functional foods in promoting well-being.
Why In News
A recent paper confirms that functional foods, including almonds, are associated with several health benefits. The study highlights the potential of incorporating almonds into a balanced diet to promote heart health and improve overall well-being.
MCQs about Functional Foods
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What is the primary characteristic of functional foods?
A. Simple nutrition
B. Disease prevention
C. Enhanced flavor
D. Quick preparation
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Where was the term “functional food” coined, and what regulatory category was established in that country?
A. USA – FDA Approved Foods
B. China – Health-Boosting Foods
C. Japan – FOSHU
D. Germany – Nutrient-Enriched Foods
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What do bioactive compounds in functional foods typically include?
A. Artificial preservatives
B. Saturated fats
C. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
D. High-fructose corn syrup
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According to the essay, what role do functional foods like almonds play in a person’s diet?
A. Essential for survival
B. Standalone curatives
C. Disease prevention and health promotion
D. Only for flavor enhancement
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