What are functional foods?

Functional foods are defined as foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition due to the presence of bioactive compounds or nutrients that can improve health outcomes. These foods can play a role in reducing the risk of disease or promoting optimal health and wellness. For instance, they might contain probiotics, antioxidants, fiber, or specific vitamins and minerals that contribute to various health benefits such as improved heart health, enhanced immunity, or better digestion.

The other options imply characteristics that do not align with the definition of functional foods. Foods low in calories, while they may be beneficial for weight management, do not necessarily contain health-enhancing components. Foods lacking nutritional value do not qualify as functional because they would not provide any health benefits. Lastly, foods high in fats may not be functional unless those fats are healthy types, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, which may contribute positively to health. Thus, the understanding of functional foods emphasizes their additional health-promoting properties beyond just basic dietary requirements.