How is food functional? I thought eating food and it giving me energy was food's function. Well reading through my handy nutrition textbook, I read that a food is functional when it "gives a health benefit beyond basic nutrition." So eating carrots for their benefit to eye health would be a nice example. I sometimes eat other things for their health benefit, because the Lord knows I can get my calories from something much tastier. Things in plants that are like this are called phytochemicals or plant chemicals, which may have health benefits, but humans don't need them to live.
Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on some of the foods that you eat? Do some of the ingredients bother you because you dont know what it is or even how to say it? Some of these things are called direct additives and are not necessarily good for you. The only specifications that the FDA requires is that doesnt harm humans and that it performs it intended purpose. These additives are not neccessary for human health, but do make foods taste better, last longer, ship easier, and what ever else may be.
All of this stuff seems pretty speculatory. I believe that the best way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced meal that meets your own nutritional needs and exercise everyday. Everything else is a waste of time.
No comments:
Post a Comment