Food with added value: Functional Food
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Food with added value: Functional Food
Less cholesterol in margarine, improved digestion with yogurt – why not combine pleasure with benefit? Many foods today contain curative additives. With the addition of added substances like vitamins and fiber we can also save time and money while taking in food. These healthy little helpers promise well being and good health without extra cost.
Efficient food consumption continues to be trendy. While convenience food stands for quick preparation and long shelf life, functional food also has health food stores on board. Even if definite scientific proof for “power foods“ is still missing, these enhanced products provide a good feeling with the consumer. This is not a brand-new development: Granola and Ovaltine™ are veteran representatives of this food group. The systematic fortification with vital substances did not start until the nineties though. Today not even candy skips restorative content: examples are fruit drops with Vitamin C and hazelnut spread with Vitamin E. The reference about percentage of suggested daily values makes the difference: The mother is relieved and the child loves the taste.
Four types of additives give food its kick:
-unsaturated fatty acids lower cholesterol levels (e.g. spreads)
-probiotic bacterial cultures positively affect the intestinal tract (e.g. dairy produce)
-fiber supports digestion (e.g. cereal products)
-vitamins and minerals stabilize the organism (can be added anywhere)
The change over to genetically modified food has become fluid: through its genetic make-up rice receives the order to produce more Vitamin B and iron. The extra benefit is therefore automatically added. So-called “brain food“ and “beauty food“ are making their way to Germany. Just like trail mix with its complex Vitamin B from nature once inspired more brain power in academic circles, this trend from the US and Japan is intended to increase mental performance in all sections of the population by adding chemical substances. Beauty treats are tackling blemished skin with antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
Ralph M. Bloemer
InterMopro.de
