Functional Foods: The Future of Nutrition?
We find ourselves in a world in which we are increasingly aware of the importance of eating well to feel better.
In prehistoric times, food was a basic need, an activity necessary for survival: it was fuel for our body. Over time, it became an experience: eating was enjoyment, it was pleasure. Today, it is these two things, but it is also much more: it is prevention, it is cure, it is well-being.
In the past, we chose food based on its availability, size, durability and ease of preservation to ensure our survival. Later, we began to select it based on its taste, texture and the pleasure it gave us. Now, in addition to nourishing ourselves and enjoying food, we choose it with a purpose: to take care of our health, prevent diseases and improve our overall well-being.
What Are Functional Foods?
Functional foods are those that not only provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins, but also offer additional health benefits. This is due to the presence of bioactive compounds: natural substances capable of positively influencing various body functions.
These compounds can be antioxidants, probiotics, essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, and other beneficial elements. Unlike other foods, functional foods have the ability to prevent diseases and improve the functioning of the body, thus helping those who consume them to improve their health and well-being.
For example, polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, combat oxidative stress, reducing cell damage and the risk of chronic diseases. Probiotics, on the other hand, are microorganisms found in fermented foods such as yogurt or kefir, and are essential for maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal microbiota, strengthening the immune system and improving digestion.
These foods not only nourish, but also protect and improve our health and well-being.
Examples of Functional Foods
- Salicornia: Also known as "sea asparagus", it is a halophyte plant rich in antioxidants (such as polyphenols) and essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine. These nutrients help protect cardiovascular health and promote blood pressure regulation and bone health. In addition, it has a high fiber content, improving digestion and the immune system.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, it is ideal for reducing LDL cholesterol and improving blood circulation. In addition, it contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which protect the body against cell damage and inflammation.
- Kefir: Fermented dairy product full of probiotics that promote the balance of the intestinal microbiota. This drink not only improves digestion and intestinal transit, but also strengthens the immune system. In addition, it is a source of calcium and B vitamins, essential for bone and energy health.
- Chia:Chia: Seed rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for cardiovascular health, and antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting the prevention of chronic diseases. Its high fiber content favors intestinal transit, helps regulate blood sugar and promotes satiety.
The Science Behind Functional Foods
Scientific research into functional foods has experienced a boom due to the increase in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. This has driven the search for solutions beyond pharmacological treatments, promoting a preventive approach to health: pathologies must be prevented from occurring, and nutrition plays a crucial role.
Bioactive compounds are responsible for these foods being able to reduce risk factors and, in some cases, prevent the need for pharmacological treatments. This effectiveness has led to a large number of studies, the results of which are promising.
One of the most studied compounds in functional foods are antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables and plants such as salicornia. These compounds protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for accelerating cellular aging and contributing to the development of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of foods rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improving cardiovascular health and promoting general well-being.
Furthermore, probiotics, present in fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt and some types of bread, are beneficial bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can have positive effects on the intestinal microbiota. These microorganisms balance the digestive system, reducing inflammation, intestinal irritation and improving nutrient absorption.
Finally, omega-3 fatty acids, present in fatty fish, flax and chia, have also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving cognitive function.
Advances in functional foods research continue to expand, providing exciting prospects for the future of nutrition and health, offering more natural options to improve our quality of life.
Functional Foods Market
The functional foods market has experienced exponential growth, driven by increased demand for products that not only nourish but also provide specific health benefits.
Increasingly, food companies are integrating functional ingredients into their products through their R&D departments. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry is exploring new possibilities with therapies and supplements derived from functional foods, with the aim of offering alternatives for disease prevention, with far fewer side effects than drugs.
The dietetics and nutrition sector is also evolving, offering personalized diets that incorporate these ingredients in order to prevent pathologies and improve specific symptoms.
Conclusion
At Marisma Biomed we believe that the future of disease prevention has to be through functional foods, combining flavour and health benefits is the future. Natural extracts and substitutes for harmful foods are key to gradually changing the health of our population, and minimising the risk factors for global epidemics.
By choosing functional foods, we are not only nourishing our body, but also protecting our long-term health. This holistic approach allows us to take control of our well-being, proving that food can be much more than just fuel: it can be medicine, prevention and a tool for living better.
And you? Have you already incorporated functional foods into your diet? Discover some of them in our store. Share this article and join the conscious nutrition revolution!
Written by Sara Montaner. We rely on AI technology.