Abstract: Functional foods are specialized foods having extra-nutritional functions. Functional foods are indeed specialized foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They contain biologically active compounds, such as fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, that support optimal health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases when consumed regularly as part of a varied diet They can be natural (like blueberries or whole grains) or fortified/enriched (like iron-fortified cereal or yogurt with live cultures) and are consumed as part of a regular diet for specific physiological benefits. A food can be regarded as functional if it is satisfactorily demonstrated to affect beneficially one or more target functions in the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way which is relevant to either the state of well-being and health or the reduction of the risk of a disease. A food can be made functional by increasing the concentration, adding or improving the bioavailability of a particular component. Functional food science will serve to establish claims based either on enhanced function or disease risk reduction. Functional foods play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk factors of various diseases. Most foods have a functional element which is responsible for improving the healthy state. All food substances such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, dairy contain functional ingredients. A wide range of naturally occurring substances from plant and animal sources having active components which play a role in physiological actions deserve attention for their optimal use in maintaining health.
Keywords: Functional foods, biologically active compounds, bioavailability, antioxidants, healthy lifestyle.
Title: Functional Foods for Human Health and Management of Diseases -A Review
Author: Dr. CHITHRA.V
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 246-258
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 18-June-2026
