Vegetables and Beverages
asFunctional Food
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University
Presented By- Shivesh
Kumar Uttam (2149)
2.
What are FunctionalFoods?
• In the 1980s (Japan), the Ministry of Health and Welfare started
the concept of functional foods and then progressed to North
America and other markets.
• The first concept of Foods for Specified Health Use (FOSHU) was
established in 1991. The demand for functional food is increasing
because of its health benefits and profitable business.
• According to the definition by IFIC, functional foods are foods or
dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond
basic nutrition.
• According to Health Canada, functional foods are similar in
appearance to conventional food, consumed as part of the usual
diet, with demonstrated physiological benefits and to reduce the
3.
• According togenerally accepted definitions, Functional foods
include whole foods and fortified, enriched, or enhanced foods
or dietary components that control and reduce the risk of
chronic disease. It aims to provide physiological health benefits
beyond the traditional nutrients they contain. It applies as a
part of the daily diet. It also includes vitamin-enriched products.
• Functional foods, natural or processed foods, are foods that have
potential benefits for health. It contains known or unknown
biologically active compounds that improve human health and
reduce diseases, such as dyslipidemia, cancer, type-2 diabetes,
stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• They are commonly known as nutraceuticals, medical foods,
probiotics, pharmafoods, vitafoods, and designer foods that are
gaining the most popularity worldwide.
5.
Types of FunctionalFoods
There are five types of functional foods such as:
1.Conventional Foods as a functional food
2.Fortified and enriched food as a functional food
3.Dietary supplements
4.Altered products
5.Enhanced commodities
1. Conventional Foods- Conventional food as a functional food is a food that is
inherently functional and contains naturally present components. Examples are
apples, broccoli, soy, fish, and so on.
2. Altered products- The removal of harmful substances and replaced with
other beneficial substances is known as altered products. Examples are fibers as fat
releasers in meat or ice cream products.
6.
3. Fortified andenriched food
Fortified food as a functional food is a functional food to which functional
components or nutrients are added.
Food fortification means adding fortified micronutrients to food. Examples are
adding fortified nutrients (vitamin C) to fruit juices.
Enriched food as a functional food is a functional food in which new nutrients or
components are added that are not naturally present in food.
Examples are margarine enriched with plant sterol, ester, probiotics, and
prebiotics.
4. Dietary supplements
Dietary supplements as a functional food is a legally functional food. Products are
available in pill, tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form, implemented as dietary
supplements containing one or more specific functional dietary constituents.
7.
5. Enhanced commodities
Food-containingcomponents are enhanced naturally through special growing
conditions such as new feed composition, genetic manipulation, etc.
Examples are eggs enhanced with increased omega-3 content achieved by altered
chicken feed.
Vegetables as Functional Foods
Vegetables are not only a source of essential nutrients but also contain bioactive
compounds that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These
properties make them functional foods, meaning they contribute to disease
prevention and overall well-being.
8.
Vegetable Functional ConstituentsHealth Benefits
Broccoli Glucosinolates, Vitamin C, Fiber
Anti-cancer, immune support,
digestive health
Spinach Lutein, Folate, Vitamin K, Iron
Eye health, brain function, red
blood cell production
Carrots Beta-carotene, Fiber, Antioxidants
Supports vision, skin health, and
gut health
Garlic Allicin, Sulfur Compounds, Flavonoids
Antimicrobial, heart health,
immune boosting
Tomatoes Lycopene, Vitamin C, Flavonoids
Reduces prostate cancer risk,
supports heart health
Onions
Quercetin, Prebiotics, Sulfur
Compounds
Anti-inflammatory, gut health,
improves circulation
Bell Peppers Vitamin C, Carotenoids, Antioxidants
Boosts immunity, eye health, and
skin health
9.
Vegetable Functional ConstituentsHealth Benefits
Kale Lutein, Vitamin K, Fiber
Supports bone health, brain
function, and digestion
Brussels Sprouts Glucosinolates, Fiber, Vitamin C
Detoxification, anti-cancer,
digestive health
Bitter Melon Charantin, Polypeptide-p, Fiber
Blood sugar regulation,
diabetes management
Cabbage Glucosinolates, Fiber, Vitamin C
Supports digestion, heart
health, reduces inflammation
Sweet Potatoes Beta-carotene, Fiber, Vitamin A
Supports vision, gut health,
and immune function
Mushrooms Beta-glucans, Ergothioneine, Selenium
Immune-boosting, anti-
inflammatory, supports brain
health
10.
Purple Sweet PotatoPowder: A Functional Superfood
Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) powder is gaining popularity as a functional food
due to its rich anthocyanin content, which gives it a deep purple color and provides
numerous health benefits.
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid (a natural antioxidant) responsible for the vibrant
purple color of the sweet potato. These compounds have strong antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. also contain dietary fibers, vitamin A, C, B,
Minerals.
• Anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes enhance cognitive function by reducing
oxidative stress in the brain.
• Studies suggest that anthocyanins may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such
as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• The high antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
11.
Fermented vegetables likekimchi,and fermented carrots are gaining popularity as
functional foods due to their probiotic content and numerous health benefits. These foods
undergo a natural fermentation process where beneficial bacteria break down sugars and
starches, enhancing their nutritional value and digestibility. It includes
Probiotics (Lactic Acid Bacteria - Lactobacillus species)
• Supports gut health and digestion.
• Enhances immune function and fights harmful bacteria.
Organic Acids (Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, etc.)
• Lowers pH, preserving the vegetables naturally.
• Aids digestion and promotes beneficial gut flora.
Bioactive Peptides & Antioxidants
• Have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health.
Fermented Vegetable Products: Kimchi, Fermented
Carrots
Beverage Functional ConstituentsHealth Benefits
Coconut Water Electrolytes (Potassium, Magnesium)
Hydration, muscle recovery,
regulates blood pressure
Beetroot Juice Nitrates, Betalains, Antioxidants
Supports blood circulation, lowers
blood pressure
Pomegranate Juice Polyphenols, Punicalagins, Vitamin C
Antioxidant, heart health, anti-
inflammatory
Aloe Vera Juice Polysaccharides, Antioxidants, Vitamins
Supports digestion, skin health,
immune boost
Soy Milk Isoflavones, Protein, Calcium
Bone health, heart health, hormone
balance
Ginger Tea
Gingerol, Antioxidants, Anti-inflammatory
compounds
Aids digestion, relieves nausea,
reduces inflammation
Red Wine (Moderate
Consumption)
Resveratrol, Polyphenols, Antioxidants Heart health, anti-aging benefits
15.
Beverage Functional ConstituentsHealth Benefits
Carrot Juice
Beta-carotene, Vitamin A,
Lutein
Supports eye health, boosts
immunity, antioxidant activity
Clove Tea Eugenol, Flavonoids, Tannins
Anti-inflammatory, pain relief,
supports oral health
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Juice
Vitamin C, Polyphenols,
Flavonoids
Boosts immunity, antioxidant,
supports liver health
Ashwagandha Tea Withanolides, Alkaloids
Reduces stress, improves
energy and endurance
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
Eugenol, Rosmarinic acid,
Flavonoids
Immune boosting, anti-stress,
respiratory support
Wheatgrass Juice
Chlorophyll, Vitamins A, C, E,
Enzymes
Detoxification, supports
hemoglobin production
Cucumber Mint Juice
Hydrating enzymes,
Electrolytes, Antioxidants
Cooling, aids digestion,
supports hydration
16.
Cucumber Mint Juice
Hydratingenzymes,
Electrolytes, Antioxidants
Cooling, aids digestion, supports
hydration
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Acetic acid, Polyphenols,
Probiotics
Blood sugar control, supports digestion,
antimicrobial
Bael Fruit Juice Tannins, Pectins, Mucilage
Aids digestion, effective in diarrhea and
gut infections
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamaldehyde,
Polyphenols
Blood sugar regulation, anti-
inflammatory
Fennel Tea
Anethole, Flavonoids,
Essential oils
Relieves bloating, supports digestion,
anti-spasmodic
Barley Water
Beta-glucans, Fiber,
Vitamins
Reduces cholesterol, supports kidney
health, hydration
Lemon Ginger Tea
Vitamin C, Gingerol,
Flavonoids
Boosts immunity, aids digestion, anti-
nausea
Aloe Cucumber Juice
Polysaccharides,
Antioxidants, Enzymes
Skin hydration, detox support, cooling
effect
17.
Reishi Mushroom TeaTriterpenes, beta-glucans
Reduces stress, improves
sleep, supports immunity
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Coffee
Hericenones, erinacines
Boosts brain function,
memory, and focus
Chaga Mushroom Tea Antioxidants, polysaccharides
Supports immune health,
fights inflammation
Mushroom-Based Drinks (Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga)
Mushroom-based drinks are functional beverages made from medicinal mushrooms like Reishi,
Lion’s Mane, and Chaga. These mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that support brain
health, immunity, and overall wellness. They are often consumed as teas, coffees, or powdered
supplements mixed with warm or cold drinks.