The truth behind Functional Foods

Abstract

Foods that provide benefits to the body beyond basic nutrition are defined as “functional foods”, which can be of natural origin, such as oranges, that contain bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C and B-cryptoxanthin, a precursor of vitamin A, or processed, such as yogurt where its bioactive compounds are probiotics such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. To be considered functional food it must be shown to be bioactive and safe in humans, presented in the form of conventional foods, and included as part of a balanced diet. In Mexico, there is no current regulatory legislation that reviews “functional foods,” as in the United States or Japan, so it is inappropriate to assign this name to food products on the market. Various research has shown that bioactive compounds such as probiotics, prebiotics, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols present in different foods are associated with intestinal health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering effects, and positive effects on cardiovascular health. Therefore, the regulation of functional foods in Mexico and in the world represent a promising future to delay the appearance of many chronic diseases, and thereby promote the well-being of the population.