What defines functional foods?

Functional foods are primarily defined as those that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This means that, in addition to providing essential macronutrients (like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), these foods may contribute to improved health outcomes or reduce the risk of disease. Examples include foods enriched with probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of functional foods. For instance, foods artificially enhanced with additional nutrients may not necessarily provide health benefits related to disease prevention or improvement. Similarly, products high in sugar do not generally serve a functional health purpose, and foods purely meant for culinary use lack the health-enhancing component that characterizes functional foods. Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing how certain foods advocate for better health beyond their basic nutritional value.