I would start by defining Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals/Natural
Health Products.
Functional Food is any food that is
similar in appearance to or may be a conventional food which is consumed as
part of a normal diet and has been shown to have physiological benefits and /or
reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions (Health
Canada, 1999).
Functional food is a natural processed
food that contains biologically-active compounds which when consumed in a
quantitative and qualitative amounts provides a clinically proven health
benefit and therefore is an important source in the prevention, management and
treatment of chronic diseases (Wikipedia, 2016).
Nutraceutical is a product which has been
isolated or purified from foods that are usually sold in medicinal forms that
are not usually associated with food. It is demonstrated to have a
physiological benefit or provide protection against chronic disease (Health
Canada, 1999).
Nutraceuticals are products that have been
derived from food sources that give extra health benefits in addition to the
basic nutritional values found in them (Tomislav, 2016).
Antioxidants are defined as molecules that
inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction
which produces free radicals that leads to further chain of reactions that
damages the cell. An example of an antioxidants are Vit. C and Vit. E.
You would say "why are you writing
this?", Well I was hoping to inform my fellow Nigerians basically because
of the type of food products/Medicinal products that come into the country and
the rate at which people market them and consume them. They say Knowledge
is Power and therefore I would Love to empower my fellow Nigerians with the
Little I have learnt as a Nutrition Student at the University of Manitoba.
I will list as many functional foods as I
can, its sources and functions. I will also list as many antioxidants as I can.
Functional Foods, Sources and its
Functions.
1. Lycopene is a functional food found in
tomatoes and this helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other types of
Cancer.
2. Saponins found in Oats, oatmeal help
reduce the Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterols and also lower
blood pressure.
3. Isoflavones, soy protein and genistein
found in soy products (e.g., soy-nuts, edamame, soybeans, and tofu) help reduce
the total blood cholesterol and the LDL.
4. Omega-3 FA (DHA and EPA) found in fish
(salmon, Tuna, Halibut, sardine, trout) reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease.
5. Plant Sterols and Stanol Esters found
in fortified margarines like Bencol, and also margarines from plant sterols
(Becel) help reduce the total cholesterol and reduce LDL especially with people
with high Cholesterol.
6. Lactobacillus (probiotics) found in
cultured/fermented yogurt (i.e. yogurt that has been fermented using a
probiotic), fermented soy product e.g. tempeh. It helps boost immune system and
also supports the gastrointestinal health.
7. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) and
Vit. E(an antioxidant) found in nuts such as peanuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts,
walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, they help reduce the risk of coronary
heart disease.
8. Resveratrol found in grape juice and
red wine(serving size of 5 ounces/day) has been shown to reduce the risk of
heart disease (research has not really proven if it reduces the risk of cancer
therefore it is advisable to refrain from consuming).
9. Carotenoids, sulforaphanes, apigenin, and
lutein/zeaxanthin found in leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and broccoli,
prevents carcinogens from entering cells, enhances immune function.
List of Antioxidants:
1. Dark Chocolates
2. Green Tea
3. Grapes
4. Blueberries
5. Nuts
6. Sweet potatoes
7. Orange vegetables
8. Dark green vegetables
9. Whole grains
10. Beans
11. Fish
