More than ever, people are getting the message that food can improve health, and research continues to show that nutrition plays a 11 role in the prion of diseases. And if you’ve been paying attention to that message, 12 are you’ve heard the word "functional". What is a functional food It sounds important to anyone trying to live a healthful life.
The answer is a bit 13 . Just as there are no federal regulations or rules 14 the word "natural", no legal definition exists for functional foods in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, functional foods are generally considered to offer 15 that go beyond basic nutrition. Such foods may be, the National Institutes of Health states, "a source of mental and physical well-being, 16 the prion and reduction of diseases or enhancing certain physiological(生理的)functions"
Oatmeal is a familiar example of a conventional functional food because it contains soluble fiber(可溶性纤维) that can help lower cholesterol (胆固醇) levels. Some foods and beverages (饮料) are 17 to enhance their positive effects; some are formulated to be free from 18 such as gluten(麸质); still others are made for certain health conditions.
If you want to try functional foods, choose wisely. And 19 that while functional foods may help promote wellness, they can’t 20 poor eating habits. Your best bet is still to eat a balanced and varied diet.