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We can call food functional when it provides more than just nourishment. Fruits and vegetables are natural functional foods loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals and physiologically active components that protect us form illness and promote health. Some manufacturers fortified or enhance their products to make it functional. Examples include calcium-fortified orange juice, spreads that contain plant sterols, foods enriched with folate, and products enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids.

Functional FoodActivia Yogurt by Dannon

Contains a probiotic called Bifidus Regularis to aid in digestion.Promise Take Control SpreadContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterol

Contains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolNature Valley Healthy Heart Granola BarsContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterol

Contains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolTropicana Pure Premium Essentials Immunity Defense Orange JuiceProvides antioxidants, such as vitamin C, selenium and vitamin E, to protect against free-radical damage

Provides antioxidants, such as vitamin C, selenium and vitamin E, to protect against free-radical damageSmart Balance 67% Buttery SpreadContains no hydrogenated oil, no trans fatty acids and a 5.8:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio

Contains no hydrogenated oil, no trans fatty acids and a 5.8:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratioOrganic Valley Organic Omega-3 EggsProvides omega-3 fatty acids

Provides omega-3 fatty acidsMinute Maid Heart Wise Orange JuiceContains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterol

Contains plant sterols to help lower LDL cholesterolCarrotsBeta carotene – neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses.

Beta carotene – neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses.Kale, collards, spinach, corn, eggs, citrusLutein, zeaxanthin – may help maintain healthy vision

Lutein, zeaxanthin – may help maintain healthy visionTomatoes, processed tomato productsLycopene – may help maintain prostate health

Lycopene – may help maintain prostate healthWheat BranInsoluble fiber – May help maintain healthy digestive tract

Insoluble fiber – May help maintain healthy digestive tractsource: Fitness Journal, March 2007, p.49-50

(by Marcela Vanharova)