CONVENIENCE AND HEALTH FOODS 3 (1+2)

Lesson 2 : Health Foods

A specifically designed food

Is one that can have a positive impact on individuals health, physical performance or state of mind in addition to its nutritive value.

A designer food should fulfill three conditions

1. It should be a food (not capsule, tablet or powder) derived from natural food ingredient.
2. It should be possible to consume it as a part of daily diet.
3. It should perform a particular function when ingested and regulate body function such as


• Enhancement of body’s natural defense mechanism
• Prevent specific disease
• Ensure rapid recovery from specific disease
• Control physical and mental conditions
• Slow down the aging process.

A designer food can be

1. Energy food: Sugars and fats which provide energy.

2. High complex carbohydrate food: Helps to keep the blood sugar under control and called hypoglycemic

3. High potassium foods: Foods such as oranges, bananas and apricot are excellent foods for very active persons and those who perspire heavily.

Benefits of Designer Foods:

Designers foods give protection against following conditions

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Infectious disease
• Respiratory disorders
• Eye disorders
• Skin disorders and wrinkles
• Osteoporosis
• Memory deficits and mood disorders
• Gall stones, nerve problems
• Diabetes mellitus
• Premenstrual syndrome

Food ingredients identified for enhancement of health are

• Dietary fibre
• Isoprenoids and vitamins
• Cholines
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Minerals
• Poly unsaturated fatty acids
• Oligosaccharides
• Sugar alcohols
• Amino-acid peptides and proteins
• Glycosides