Functional Foods: What Are They?

Functional Foods: What Are They?

August 12, 2005

Functional foods are foods that have health benefits beyond the nutrients they contain.  
 
In most foods, functional benefits probably come from several, perhaps many, food substances.
 
Many fruits, vegetables and grain products have plant substances that may help reduce the risk for certain health diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.
 
Although more research is needed to learn about the full potential of functional foods, it is clear that functional foods play a role in good health when combined with balanced food choices and physical activity.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

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