Definition: Components of the usual diet that may provide health benefits beyond basic nutrients. Examples of functional foods include soy, nuts, chocolate, and cranberries (From NCCAM Backgrounder, March 2004, p3). Soy, for example, provides not only protein but also PHYTOESTROGENS (isoflavones), which help reduce total blood cholesterol by lowering LDL CHOLESTEROL.
do not confuse with FOOD, FORTIFIED; FOOD, FORMULATED; FOOD ADDITIVES; or DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS; coordinate IM with specific nutrient if relevant (IM)
See AlsoDietary Supplements
Other names Functional Foods; Foods, Functional; Food, Functional
