Power of Functional Foods
As people become increasingly interested in wellness, plant-based eating is getting more common. It’s rare that a restaurant won’t feature plant-based menu items, and consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of eating locally grown, synthetic pesticide-free whole foods—not just because they taste great, but because they are critical for optimal health.
In the midst of this landscape, a new buzzword has emerged: functional food.
What is a functional food?
There are actually two common meanings. The first is food that delivers a curative or health-boosting benefit beyond its nutritional content. The other common definition is Food that has been altered to include more of a nutrient. This type of food is functional thanks to the compounds that have been added to it. Some examples are calcium-fortified orange juice and probiotic dried cranberries.
Functional foods, or parts of functional foods, are also known as nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are components of food that support the healthy functioning of a human being. Dietary fiber (which lowers cholesterol and supports digestive function) and antioxidants (which fight cancer) are examples of nutraceuticals.
Common functional foods
Nature is full of functional foods. These plants deliver crucial nutrition and added health benefits, and are most effective when they are grown without the use of toxic chemicals, picked at the peak of ripeness, and eaten close to the time of harvest before they have a chance to lose flavor and vital health benefits. Here are just a few examples.
Broccoli
It should come as no surprise that broccoli is a functional food. It contains:
Vitamin C aids in the healing of wounds, cartilage, and bones and may also act as an antioxidant.
Hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids may help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Lutein supports healthy eye function and may also prevent heart disease and stroke.
Glucosinolates, which prevent chronic diseases including cancer.
Kale
Like broccoli, kale is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains a lot of Vitamin C and lutein and is also a great source of dietary fiber. Kale also contains:
Flavonoids and polyphenols reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and fight depression and cancer.
Vitamin K is necessary for effective blood clotting and supports bone health.
Bile acid sequestrants are known to reduce cholesterol.
Zucchini
Technically a fruit, this summer squash is also packed with lutein. Zucchini also contains:
Zeaxanthin supports eye health by lowering the risk of developing cataracts, among other things.
Folate is an essential nutraceutical for the development of babies in utero. Most people are deficient in this nutrient, which is why women are advised to consume it in pill form during pregnancy.
Vitamin B6 regulates blood glucose and can help prevent diabetes.
We’ve only touched on a few of the benefits of each of these foods, but we could efficiently devote an entire post to each one. In fact, all of the foods we grow at our indoor farm are functional foods. From high-fiber buckwheat shoots to folate-rich watercress, we offer nutrient-dense foods grown locally without chemicals. By buying locally, you can get your nutraceuticals on the table right after they are harvested before they break down and lose some beneficial properties—and when they still taste amazing.
