Functional foods are specific foods that are believed to deliver a health-promoting or disease-preventing benefit above and beyond everyday nutrition, meaning that they deliver more than just calories to burn for energy. There is no technical definition of a functional food, however, nor does the FDA recognize functional foods as a distinct category. While many functional foods are rich in vitamins, the recent research and consumer interest in these “superfoods” is focused on components that are not categorized as vitamins. They are not strictly necessary, but are believed to play key roles in optimal health and wellness. Explore what makes a food “functional” and increase your understanding of antioxidants and free radicals.

UNDERSTANDING NUTRITIONAL CLAIMS VIDEOS

CHAPTER 1 What are Nutritional Claims? Since 1994, the Nutrition Facts panel has appeared on packaged foods to help consumers make healthy choices. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 4 What is Organic? According to the USDA, "Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals..." VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 7 (currently viewing) Functional Foods Functional foods are specific foods that are believed to deliver a health-promoting or disease-preventing benefit... VIEW VIDEO