9^th European Food Science Congress

Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are food products that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, playing a key role in promoting overall health and well-being. Functional foods are foods that have been enhanced with ingredients that provide health benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, or probiotics. These foods are designed to improve health or reduce the risk of disease when consumed regularly. Examples include fortified cereals, yogurt with probiotics, and foods rich in antioxidants like berries. They support immune function, digestive health, heart health, and more. Nutraceuticals, on the other hand, are products derived from food sources that provide health benefits, often in the form of supplements. These include products like omega-3 fatty acids, herbal extracts, or vitamins in pill or powder form. Nutraceuticals are often used to manage health conditions, prevent disease, and improve bodily functions.