If you’re new to the world of functional foods and dietary supplements, you might be thinking, “All foods have a function, don’t they? They provide nutrition and keep you from being hungry, what more are they supposed to do?” Well, there’s a little more to it than that.

The term “functional foods” was first introduced in Japan in the mid-80′s to refer to foods that are eaten for a particular health benefit. For example, if you eat blueberries simply because you like its taste or because you are hungry, then it is a food. However, if you try to strengthen your eye sight by having blueberries, they become a “functional food”.

In this regard, another popular term is “natruceutical”, which refers to ingredients extracted from ordinary food and sold as health supplements. In many cases, there is no clear line between this term and “dietary supplements”. For instance, both can be applied to blueberry or bilberry pills which are sold as vision support supplements.

Popular functional foods

The most popular functional foods have to be vegetables and fruits, and we are always encouraged to have enough of them to acquire sufficient vitamins and minerals. Whole grain is another example of popular functional foods, as it is a very good source for soluble fiber. Fish are rich in omega-3, which offers multiple health benefits; and wine is also considered functional for the obvious benefits it can do to our circulatory systems. Berries, unfortunately, are often overlooked as a functional food. This is because it just tastes too good that people tend to forget about the health benefits it can provide us.

Choosing the right dietary supplements

Choosing dietary supplements is different from choosing your food, and you almost never base your decision on how it tastes. With far too many health supplements in the market and the bold advertising claims, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. Meanwhile, our physicians often warn us against the potentials of overdosing, mixing non-compatible supplements, or taking them along with other medications.

If you eat a healthy well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes (along with dairy, fish, and lean meats, if you choose), you probably don’t need dietary supplements. Unfortunately, few of us can eat perfectly all the time. Consider dietary supplements if you know you won’t be able to eat well for a while, if you have extra nutritional needs such as during pregnancy or breast-feeding, or you have a medical condition that impairs your digestion. Vegans may also want to look into dietary supplements.

Keep in mind, though, that some dietary supplements can be almost as powerful as prescription medication. (After all, if they did nothing to your body, why would you even take them?) Before starting a new supplement, read up on its possible side effects and interactions and talk to your doctor about it, too. With all the junk food available today, it takes a little planning and forethought to eat well.

Combining functional foods with dietary supplements will grant you a huge advantage in meeting your body’s nutritional needs. However, don’t simply buy just anything from the supermarket without a bit planning and researching.

If you follow a weight loss plan that fills your day with eating the right foods (not all salads and fruit either!) then you will never feel the need to snack in the first place. Check out our review of a fast weight loss diet plan that exactly delivers that. You may also like to check out this related article about model’s dieting tips.

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