New trend in nutrition science !

There is no universal definition of functional foods , but few are known working ones proposed by various organizations around the world . Experts are of the opinion that functional foods cover those foods and food ingredients that provide essential nutrients besides , but biologically active components beneficial effect on one or more functions. They improve the health and stamina, and reduce the risk of many diseases . They are also called super foods .
According to the American Dietetic Association ( 1999) are " comprehensive, enhanced or fortified foods that can be consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis to achieve the potential health benefits ."Examples of functional components :

    carotenoids
        Beta carotene (carrots , pumpkin, sweet potatoes , cantaloupe , spinach, tomatoes) - neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells ;
        Lutein ( kale , spinach , corn, eggs , citrus fruits , asparagus , carrots, broccoli ) - Care for eye health ;
        Lycopene (tomatoes and processed tomato products , watermelon, red / pink grapefruit) - take care of prostate health .
    fiber
        Insoluble fiber ( wheat bran , corn - the bran , the skin of the fruit ) - supports digestive health , can reduce the risk of certain cancers ;
        Beta glucan ( oat bran , oatmeal , flour, oats , barley, rye) - can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease ;
        Soluble fiber (peas , beans , apples , citrus fruit) - can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and some cancers ;
        Whole grains ( cereal, bread , oatmeal , brown rice) - can reduce the risk of coronary disease sartsetoi certain cancers, supports the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels .
    fatty acids
        Monounsaturated fatty acids ( nuts , olive oil, canola oil ) - keeps the heart and eyes healthy , normal mental functions;
         Omega- 3 fatty acids ( salmon , tuna , fish oil , walnuts , flaxseed, flaxseed oil) - keeps the heart and eyes healthy , normal mental functions;
        Linolenic acid ( beef and lamb , some types of cheese) - supports the maintenance of desirable body weight and immunity.
    flavonoids
        Cyanidin, Pelargonidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin ( blueberries , cherries , red grapes) - strengthen the immune cells that support healthy brain function ;
        Catechins, Epicatechins, Epigallocatechin ( tea, cocoa , chocolate , apples, grapes) - keep the heart healthy ;
        Procyanidins, Proanthocyanidins ( blueberries , cocoa, apples, strawberries , grapes, red wine , peanuts, cinnamon , tea, chocolate) - promotes the health of the heart and pokochno -genital system ;
        Hesperetin, Naringenin ( citrus) - neutralize free radicals , strengthen the immune cells ;
        Quercetin, Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, Myricetin ( onions, apples , tea, broccoli ) - neutralize free radicals , strengthen the immune cells.
    Isothiocyanate ( cauliflower , broccoli , cabbage, horseradish ) - strengthens the immune cells.
    minerals
        Calcium ( sardines , spinach, yogurt , low-fat dairy products, fortified foods and beverages) - can reduce the risk of osteoporosis ;
        Magnesium ( spinach, pumpkin seeds, whole grains and cereals, almonds , Brazil nuts , beans ) - ensures the proper functioning of muscles and nerves , strengthens immunity and provides bone health ;
        Potassium (potatoes , low-fat dairy products, whole grain breads, grains and cereals , citrus juices , beans , bananas, leafy vegetables) - can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke, in combination with a diet low in sodium ;
        selenium
    Phenols (apples , pears , citrus fruits, some vegetables , whole grains, coffee) - support the immune system , enhance the health of the eyes and the heart.
    Sterols / stanols plant ( maize , soybeans , wheat , fortified foods and beverages ) - support blocking absorption of dietary cholesterol in the body , reducing the risk of coronary heart disease .
    Polyols (some types of gum ) - can reduce the risk of dental caries.
    Prebiotics ( whole grains, chicory , artichokes , asparagus , onions, garlic, leeks , honey, banana and other fruits, fortified foods and beverages) - help to restore the normal bacterial balance in the digestive tract , helping to increase the number of bifidobacteria , absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron , promote immunity.
    Probiotics (some yogurts and other cultured dairy and non-dairy applications ) - aid digestion and suppress putrefactive processes in the stomach and intestines.
    Phytoestrogens ( soy and soy products , flaxseed, rye, some vegetables , seeds and nuts , lentils, broccoli , cauliflower , carrots ) - kostnatata support system, support immunity, promote healthy brain function , in women - maintain health menopause strengthen Cardiac -vascular activity.
    Soy protein ( soy and soy products such as milk, yogurt , cheese , tofu ) - reduces the risk of coronary heart disease .
    Sulfide / thiol ( garlic , onions , leeks , cruciferous vegetables - broccoli , Brussels sprouts, cabbage , kale ) - maintain immunity, enhance the work of the cardiovascular and digestive system.
    Vitamins ( Vitamin A, Thiamin - B1, Riboflavin - B2, Niacin - B3 , Panthenol - B5, pyridoxine - B6, Folic Acid - B9 , Cobalamin - B12, Biotin - Vitamin H, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E) .