Currently, the trend of consuming healthy food is increasing. People are aware that food is not only filling, but also needs to provide benefits for the health of the body. This type of food is known as functional food. According to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), functional food is processed food containing one or more functional components that are scientifically proven to provide biological functions, are harmless, and provide health benefits.¹

Functional Food Distribution

In general, functional foods are divided into two types:²

Conventional functional foods are functional foods that are still whole or traditionally processed and are rich in important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Examples include:

- Fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas.

- Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts.

- Seafood such as salmon and anchovies.

- Fermented foods such as tempeh and kombucha.

- Vegetables such as broccoli and kale.

- Spices such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.

- Drinks such as coffee and green tea.

Modified functional food is functional food that has undergone additional nutrients to increase health benefits for the body. Examples of modified functional foods include:

- Milk fortified with calcium

- Bread and pasta with added iron.

- Packaged juices with added vitamin C.

- Yogurt fortified with vitamin D.

- Cereals fortified with vitamin B12.

Benefits of Functional Foods

Here are some benefits that can be obtained from consuming functional foods:³

- Prevent nutritional deficiencies. Functional foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, so regular consumption can help prevent nutritional deficiencies.

- Protecting the body from various diseases. Functional foods contain antioxidants that can ward off free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Some functional foods are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for improving brain function, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health.

- Improve children's growth and development. Functional foods contain essential nutrients for growth and development, such as omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B12.

Functional foods are foods with good nutritional content to prevent and recover from various diseases. However, maintaining a balanced nutritional intake is still important to maintain good health.

References:

1. Asri Puspita Wardhani. Peranan Pangan Fungsional dalam Meningkatkan Imunitas Tubuh. Balai Besar Pelatihan Pertanian Binuang. Last reviewed: May 2, 2024. Available at: https://bbppbinuang.bppsdmp.pertanian.go.id/artikel/peranan-pangan-fungsional-dalam-meningkatkan-imunitas-tubuh

2. Meva Nareza T. Mengenal Makanan Fungsional dan Beragam Manfaatnya bagi Tubuh. Alodokter. Last reviewed: November 1, 2024. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/mengenal-makanan-fungsional-dan-beragam-manfaatnya-bagi-tubuh

3. Rachael Ajmera. What Are Functional Foods? All You Need to Know. Healthline. Last reviewed: January 17, 2020. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functional-foods