There is no such
particular definition of “Functional food” or “Superfood”. It has numerous
health benefits and role in body function. Superfood also has natural active
ingredients with medicinal property. They are usually considered to be the
nutrient powerhouse rich in Anti-oxidant, Vitamins, Minerals and
Phytochemicals. These nutrient dense foods are helpful in reducing the risk of
chronic disease and certain infection. These foods aids in the enhancement of
the quality of life. Usually Superfoods are plant-based food, but it might be
dairy or fish also. These nutrient dense foods are good for over-all health and
to boost immune system.
Healthy Superfoods are
needed to be taken on daily basis and in a balanced manner with other food.
Eating a particular food item is not bad, that provides you a good amount of
certain vitamins or minerals that you need, but your body also needs other
vitamins and minerals as well to function properly, so don’t rely on one
superfood alone to achieve your nutrition. The fiber content of these foods is
helpful in reducing chronic constipation problem, acid reflux, hemorrhoids,
blood sugar and cholesterol level. Anti-oxidant rich foods are also helpful in
scavenging free radical in the body. Free radicals are also known as Reactive
Oxygen Species (ROS). Free radicals are the waste product, produced by cells
during different chemical reaction inside the cells and to react to the
external environment. If the body is not being able to efficiently remove the
free radicals, it causes Oxidative Stress. Some of the process that is
responsible to cause oxidative stress is smoking, mitochondrial activity,
external environment, radiation, tissue trauma, industrial solvent, etc.
Oxidative Stress is linked to
stroke, cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s diseases, and cardiovascular problem.
Superfoods are also rich in healthy fat, that not only heart healthy, but also
when you consume make you feel full and will put a break in your next meal.
Certain nutrients are also required for your unborn child and infants for their
proper growth and development. Like, folic acid is required for the development
of the spinal cord and the neural tube of the unborn child. Some of the
superfood is rich in protein content. Proteins help in repair and build of the tissue.
Enzymes are the protein which have role in digestion, muscle contraction, blood
clotting.
Immunoglobulin or antibodies
are also proteins that are required to fight infection. Furthermore, eating
protein rich food helps to cut down appetite. They help to improve immune
system, support eye health, helps to look younger. Phytochemicals in superfood
give flavor, aroma and color to the plant-based food. Eating colorful food has
numerous benefits for health. Some of the prominent phytochemicals are Carotenoids,
Flavonoids, Anthocyanin, Lutein and zeaxanthin. They reduce inflammation, slows
down the growth of the cancer cells, helps to regulate hormones, helps to lower
blood pressure, enhances the power of immune system to fight infection, protects
from cellular and DNA damage.
PARTICULAR
FUNCTION OF SUPERFOODS ARE:-
- Assist in recovery from diseases
- Slows down the aging process
- Boost the immune system
- Support physical and mental disorder
- Helps in prevention of specific
diseases