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Food-Info.net> Topics > Functional Foods

Examples of functional food ingredients

 

Class/Components

Source

Claimed or Potential Benefit*

Carotenoids

Alpha-carotene

carrots

neutralises free radicals which damage cells

Beta-carotene

fruits, vegetables

neutralises free radicals

Lutein

green vegetables

contributes to the maintenance of a healthy vision

Lycopene

tomato products

may reduce risk of prostate cancer

Zeaxanthin

eggs, citrus, corn

contributes to the maintenance of a healthy vision

Collagen Hydrolysate

Collagen Hydrolysate

gelatine

may improve some osteoarthritis symptoms

Dietary Fibre

Insoluble fibre

wheat bran

reduces risk of breast and/or colon cancer

Beta glucan**

oats

reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Soluble fibre**

psyllium

reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Whole Grains**

cereal grains

reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids - DHA/EPA

tuna, fish, marine oils

reduces risk of cardiovascular disease** and improves mental and visual functions

Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA)

cheese, meat products

improves body composition, decreases risk of certain cancers

Flavonoids

Anthocyanidins

fruits

reduces risk of certain types of cancer

Catechins

tea

reduces risk of certain types of cancer

Flavanones

citrus

reduces risk of certain types of cancer

Flavones

fruits/vegetables

reduces risk of certain types of cancer

Glucosinolates, Indoles, Isothiocyanates

Sulphoraphane

cruciferous vegetables

reduces risk of certain types of cancer

Phenols

Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid

fruits, vegetables, citrus

reduce risk of degenerative diseases, heart disease, eye disease

Plant Sterols

Stanol ester**

corn, soy, wheat

lowers blood cholesterol levels

Prebiotic/Probiotics

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)

Jerusalem artichokes, shallots, onion powder

improve gastrointestinal health

Lactobacillus

yoghurt, dairy products

improve gastrointestinal health, reduce bacterial diarrhoea**

Saponins

Saponins

soybeans, soy foods, soy protein-containing foods

lower LDL cholesterol; contain anti-cancer enzymes

Soy Protein

Soy Protein**

soybeans and soy foods

25 g/day reduce risk of heart disease

Phytoestrogens

Isoflavones - Daidzein, Genistein

soybeans and soy foods

reduce menopause symptoms

Lignans

flax, rye, vegetables

protect against heart disease and some cancers, lower LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides

Sulfides/Thiols

Diallyl sulfide

onions, garlic, olives, leeks, scallions

lowers LDL cholesterol, maintains health immune system

Allyl methyl trisulfide, Dithiolthiones

cruciferous vegetables

lowers LDL cholesterol, maintains health immune system

Tannins

Proanthocyanidins

cranberry products, cocoa, chocolate

improve urinary tract health, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

 

* Many of the components listed have not been tested in long-term studies using humans. Claims are often only based on laboratory research and may not be valid for all population groups.
** FDA approved health claim established for component (in the USA) or scientific valid evidence for most population groups

 


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