What are functional foods and how do we get more of them in our diet?
This is a common question I hear. Everyone has heard the term, but they are not quite sure what it means.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “functional foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition”. This means that in addition to providing basic vitamins and minerals, their specific nutrient content is shown to improve your health with a specific action. For example, it has been found that oats can lower cholesterol and that is why Cheerios is allowed to make that claim.
Most functional foods fall in categories based on ingredients such as probiotics, which are good for your digestion and your immune system, and plant sterols, which lower cholesterol. Foods can naturally contain these nutrients or be fortified with them to be considered a functional food.
Here are 9 recipes to get more functional foods in your diet.
9 Recipes With Functional Foods
Sangria (Resveratrol in red wine and grape juice exhibit heart-healthy effects.)
Spiced Nuts (The fats and vitamins in nuts may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.)
Pomegranate Yogurt (Yogurt is full of probiotics, which supports gut health and the immune system.)
Tomato Soup with Toasted Red Quinoa (Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, which reduces your risk of cancer.)
Miso Kale (Miso and other soy products may reduce total and LDL cholesterol.)
Tamari Salmon (Fatty fish are naturally high in Omega-3 fats.)
Sachlav Oatmeal (Oats can reduce cholesterol.)
Try these 9 recipes to get more health benefits out of your food.
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