Feb 27 2009
By
admin | Filled under:
Diet Tips,
Health
Functional foods are those, regardless of providing nutrients that are scientifically proven to affect beneficially one or more functions of the body, so they provide better health and wellness. These foods also have a preventive role by reducing the risk factors that cause the onset of disease. Among the most important functional foods are fortified foods. Functional foods should be consumed within a healthy and balanced diet and in the same quantities in which they usually consume the remaining food.
Below is a list of functional foods and their possible beneficial effects on health.
Fortified milk
- With omega-3 (EPA and DHA) help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the risk of certain cancers and improve the development of the nervous system and visual functions. May reduce inflammatory processes.
- Oleic acid: Helps reduce blood cholesterol concentration and risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Folic Acid: May decrease in neural tube defects and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Calcium: Helps the development of bones and teeth. Involved in nerve transmission and muscle movement. Can prevent osteoporosis.
- With vitamins A and D: They encourage the visual function and the absorption of calcium, respectively.
- Phosphorus and Zinc: Helps to bone development and improve the immune system.
- Fatty acid: Helps improve the development of children 0 to 3 years.
- With vitamins and minerals: These foods can be taken when breastfeeding is not possible.
Yogurts fortified
- Calcium: Helps the development of bones and teeth. Involved in nerve transmission and muscle movement. Can prevent osteoporosis.
- With vitamins A and D: They encourage the visual function and the absorption of calcium, respectively.
Fermented Milks
- With omega-3 (EPA and DHA) and oleic acid: Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the risk of certain cancers and improve the development of the nervous and visual functions. May reduce inflammatory processes.
- With specific probiotic bacteria (including bifidus active): Encourage the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and reduces the incidence and duration of diarrhea. Improve the quality of intestinal microflora.
Fortified Juices
- With Vitamins A and D: visual function and promote the absorption of calcium, respectively.
- Calcium: helps the development of bones and teeth. Involved in nerve transmission and muscle movement. Can prevent osteoporosis.
- Of iron: it facilitates the transport of oxygen in the blood. Can prevent the onset of anemia.
Fortified cereals
- With Fiber: Helps reduce the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. Improve the quality of intestinal microflora.
- Iron: It facilitates the transport of oxygen in the blood. Can prevent the onset of anemia.
Enriched bread
Folic Acid: May decrease in neural tube defects and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Enriched eggs
- With omega-3 can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Enriched margarines
- With Phytosterols: Helps reduce blood cholesterol concentration and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Iodized salt
- Iodine: iodine facilitates the production of thyroid hormones are essential for a normal physical and mental development and prevent thyroid dysfunction.