What are Functional Foods?

Functional foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. For example, foods that claim to give you energy, help you lose weight, improve skin and hair, increase muscles, improve the immune system, slow the aging process, and improve bone health. These foods are often high in probiotics, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and foods that are high in fiber. A familiar example of functional food is oatmeal because it contains soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels. Some foods are modified to have health benefits (cereal, eggs, juice). An example is orange juice that has been fortified with calcium for bone health.

Proponents of functional foods say they promote optimal health and help reduce the risk of disease. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the claims that manufacturers can make about functional foods’ nutrient content and effects on disease, health, or body function. If you want to try functional foods, choose wisely. And keep in mind that while functional foods may help promote wellness, they can’t make up for poor eating habits.

Assignment

1.The student will select one Functional Food to evaluate. (A list has been provided)

2.Use the Cuyamaca College Library Database,https://www.cuyamaca.edu/academics/library/index.p…. Choose two library sources (research study, magazine, or news article) on the functional food.

3.Read your 2 library sources and identify 2 health benefits the food provides.

4.Write a two-page essay, double-spaced, 12 font, and 1-inch margins. Write using an essay format. Write 1 paragraph for each of the 2 benefits you identified about your food. Include an introductory paragraph and a conclusion paragraph. (30 points)

Do not use lists or bullets. Use the two pages for your essay. Please, only put your name at the top of the page.

5.Create a list of Works Cited using MLA Format and include the following information: Authors names, the title of the article, journal name, volume number, page numbers, date of the article, and the URL link to your sources. The Works Cited goes on page 3 and is not part of your 2-page essay. (20 points)

Do not overuse quotations. Be sure to use citations for every quotation. I want you to use your own words. However, even when you paraphrase, you need to use a citation.

YOUR TASK: Your research essay will describe the benefits of functional foods.