In this article we will discuss the benefits and concepts of functional foods vs nutraceuticals.
One of the most important trends of the last century is the human intention to improve eating habits, live a healthier life through exercise, care for the environment, and live longer and better, seeking quality of life in later years.
Just a century ago, the average human lifespan was around 50 years. Today, it is about 72 years, and working life has extended close to that age. However, the emergence of chronic diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes—linked to lifestyle habits developed since the baby boomer generation—continues to affect middle-aged individuals.
In childhood, sedentary behavior, malnutrition (obesity or undernutrition), and screen exposure are some of the main public health issues, affecting normal and future development from an early age.
The emergence of dietary supplements decades ago has sought to address nutritional deficiencies in both childhood and adulthood. An explosion of information, studies, rapid development, and the wide range of options overwhelming consumers make decision-making increasingly difficult.
Guleben – functional foodsIt has been described as “a product, modified food, or food ingredient that provides health benefits beyond those offered by traditional foods” (Ashwell, 2001).
The concept originates from the idea of healthy food, defined as “a food free of health risks that retains its full nutritional potential, sensory appeal, purity, and freshness,” which later evolved into what we now call functional food.
Functional foods have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. They promote optimal health and help reduce the risk of disease.
Examples of functional foods:
guleben – nutraceuticalsIn 1989, Dr. Stephen DeFelice coined the term by combining “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates, 400 B.C.
We truly are what we eat. The intestine contains a vast number of cells that interact with food and help the body distinguish beneficial from harmful substances.
Functional foods provide essential nutrients:
In childhood and adolescence, they support:
Nutraceuticals have specific characteristics:
Components include:
Nutraceuticals occupy a unique position between food and medicine.
Dietary supplements include:
They support health, but nutraceuticals additionally have preventive and therapeutic roles.
Text written by Octavio Davila | Scientific Director
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