Functional Foods

The term functional foods refers to foods or food components that may have health benefits beyond basic nutrition, says the International Food Information Council Foundation.

Functional foods can boost health in many ways.

For example:

• Soy products may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Probiotics in some yogurts may promote digestive and immune system health.
• Plant sterols and stanols added to some margarines may lower cholesterol and heart disease risk.
• Oatmeal and other whole-oat products may help lower cholesterol levels.
• Soluble fiber in legumes and apples may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Whole grains may lower heart disease risk and promote healthy blood sugar levels.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna, salmon, and other oily fish may help protect heart health and mental function.

Source: SelectHealth