Functional Foods: Basic Knowledge and Applications

This article provides basic information about functional foods, health, and the factors that influence them.

1. Concept of Functional Foods:

The term “functional food” was first used in Japan.

2. Advantages of Globalization in Food Consumption:

Globalization creates opportunities to access and expand markets, contributing to increased revenue.

3. Potential Risks of Eating Outside the Home:

Eating outside the home poses several food safety risks, including:

Raw materials and prices may not meet food safety standards.

Environmental contamination and contamination from food preparation and service.

Reusing expired food.

4. Definition of Health According to the World Health Organization:

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

5. Understanding Health:

Physically:

Good physical fitness.

Absence of illness.

No diseases or disabilities.

Mentally:

Maintaining the ability to work effectively over the long term.

6. Potential Risks of Processed Foods:

Consuming processed foods poses risks such as:

Deficiency in nutrients.

Potential for preservatives.

Easy contamination from one region to another.

7. Optimal Health:

Optimal health is the highest quality of health that a person can achieve throughout their lifetime.

8. Principles of Physical Activity:

Principles of physical activity include:

Comprehensiveness.

Gradual increase.

Regularity.

Practicality.

9. The Three Minds:

The Three Minds are:

Calm mind.

Tranquil mind.

Peaceful mind.

10. Explanation of the Mind:

Peaceful mind: Maintaining harmonious relationships with others in communication.

Calm mind: Feeling satisfied with work and studies, without excessive ambitions.

Tranquil mind: Not craving fame, fortune, or status upon achieving success.

11. Essential Factors for Optimal Health:

To achieve optimal health, three fundamental factors must be combined:

Diet and nutrition.

Physical activity.

Stress management.

12. Melanin and Protective Effects:

Melanin protects against strong radiation from sunlight, helping to protect internal organs.

13. Reducing Nervous Tension:

Using functional foods containing Lithium in the evening can help alleviate nervous tension.

14. Classification of Obesity According to the WHO:

Pre-obesity has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9.

15. Genetic Factors and Obesity:

Obesity can be influenced by genetic factors, but they are not the primary cause.

If both parents are obese, their child has a 90% chance of becoming obese.

If both parents are normal weight, their child has a 7% chance of becoming obese.

If one parent is obese, their child has a 50% chance of becoming obese.

16. Functional Foods for Enhancing Female Reproductive Function:

Functional foods derived from red clover help enhance female reproductive function.

17. Preventing Diabetes:

Avoid using functional foods in the group that supplements saturated fatty acids to prevent diabetes.

18. Homocysteine Degradation Process:

The degradation process of Homocysteine into Cystein requires the catalytic enzyme Vitamin B6 and folic acid.

19. Effects of Arsenic:

Arsenic, in small quantities, can stimulate cells and help the body fight fatigue and cancer.

20. Regeneration of Subcutaneous Connective Tissue:

Consider using functional foods containing Silicon and Zinc to regenerate subcutaneous connective tissue.

21. Pynogenol and Antioxidant Activity:

Pynogenol, found in red grapes, has strong antioxidant activity.

22. Activity of Flavonoids in Ginkgo Biloba:

Flavonoids in Ginkgo Biloba increase blood flow to the brain, reduce headaches, and protect circulation.

23. Foods Rich in Copper:

Calf and sheep liver have the highest copper content.

24. Role of Coenzymes in Enzyme Activity:

Enzyme activity requires specific coordination with Coenzymes.

25. Zinc Deficiency in the Body:

Zinc deficiency leads to muscle degeneration and poor appetite in the elderly.

26. Zinc and Liver Enzyme Function:

Zinc affects the function of the liver enzyme system.

27. Activity of Genistein in Soybeans:

Genistein in soybeans has anti-aging effects for women.

28. Mechanism of Cholesterol Reduction by Fiber:

Fiber hinders the emulsification of bile acids by binding to them.

Fiber interferes with cholesterol absorption due to its viscosity.

Fiber produces cholesterol synthesis inhibitors through fermentation.

29. Role of Fiber in the Body:

Fiber is a substrate for bacterial activity, providing energy for colon cells.

Fiber reduces the rate of transit in the colon.

Soluble fiber decreases the viscosity of the water phase, aiding in laxation.

Fiber reduces stool volume and softens stool consistency.

30. Effects of Chromium:

Chromium helps stabilize weight and prevent immune system diseases.

31. Functional Foods Supporting Cholesterol Reduction:

Consider using functional foods containing Polyphenols in grapes to help reduce blood cholesterol.

32. Effects of Pregnenolone:

Functional foods containing Pregnenolone help eliminate wrinkles, especially around the eyes.

33. Functional Foods for Regenerating Subcutaneous Connective Tissue:

Consider using functional foods containing Silicon and Zinc to regenerate subcutaneous connective tissue.

34. Role of Beeswax and Honey:

Combined products of beeswax and honey in trace amounts play a vital role in fighting sensitivity and irritation, protecting the immune system.

35. Effects of Lycopene in Tomatoes:

Lycopene in tomatoes has antioxidant effects and prevents prostate cancer.

36. Foods Supporting Cancer Treatment:

Queen’s crown and Radix Sophorae Flavescentis have been used to create products supporting cancer treatment.

37. Effects of Arsenic:

Arsenic, in small quantities, can stimulate cells and help the body fight fatigue and cancer.

38. Functional Foods Supporting Diabetes Treatment:

Functional foods extracted from bitter melon and Gymnema sylvestre help support diabetes treatment.

39. Functional Foods for Combating Debility:

Functional foods extracted from Centella asiatica, Notoginseng, and Cordyceps militaris help combat debility.

40. Excretory Function of the Skin:

The excretory function of the skin helps the body eliminate urea.

41. Manganese and its Effects on the Body:

Manganese is an essential element related to reproduction and bone development.

42. Aflatoxin Toxin and Liver Cancer:

Aflatoxin fungal toxins increase the risk of liver cancer.

43. Reflex Function of the Skin:

Pale or bluish skin is a sign of heart disease or anemia.

Yellow skin is a sign of liver, bile, or pancreas disease.

Swollen skin is a sign of kidney disease.

Dark skin is a sign of adrenal gland disease or adrenal insufficiency.

44. Advantages of Globalization in Food Consumption:

Globalization creates opportunities to access and expand markets, contributing to increased revenue.

45. Mental Health:

Maintaining the ability to work effectively over the long term is mental health.

46. Specific Immune System:

The specific immune system consists of antibodies generated to neutralize antigens.

47. Functional Foods for Preventing Diabetes:

Supplementation with unsaturated fatty acids helps reduce insulin sensitivity, contributing to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

48. Reducing LDL Cholesterol and Increasing HDL:

Using vegetable oils helps reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL.

49. Active Compounds in Fruits, Vegetables, and Tomatoes Protecting Against Heart Disease:

Monoterpenes found in fruits, vegetables, and tomatoes help prevent heart disease.

50. Potential Risks of Technology in Food Processing:

Food processing technology can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses.

51. Knowing How to Process Food Safely:

Knowing how to wash fruits and vegetables, and cook them properly ensures food safety standards are met.

52. Types of Health Protection Products:

Food for special use: Health protection products.

Medical supplement: Medical nutritional products.

Food supplement: Products supplementing vitamins and minerals.

53. Aging:

Aging is the process of degeneration of organs and tissues, leading to the decline of bodily functions and ultimately, death.

54. Cause of Excess Phosphorus in the Body:

Consuming excessive amounts of sausage and salted fish leads to excess phosphorus in the body.

55. Organs Storing Copper:

The liver retains the most copper for distribution to necessary points.

56. Effects of Bromelain Enzyme:

The Bromelain enzyme enhances digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects.

57. Role of Coenzymes in Enzyme Activity:

Enzyme activity requires specific coordination with Coenzymes.

58. Zinc Deficiency in the Body:

Zinc deficiency leads to muscle degeneration and poor appetite in the elderly.

59. Highest Magnesium Needs in Which Group:

Pregnant women have the highest magnesium needs.

60. Signs of Internal Aging:

Decreased physiological function is a sign of internal aging.

61. Effects of Vitamin C:

Vitamin C destroys free radicals in the water system, helping to protect the body.

62. Anti-allergic Agent in Green Tea:

Epigallocatechin gallate found in green tea has anti-allergic effects, supporting the treatment of cancer and heart disease.

63. Activity of Flavonoids in Ginkgo Biloba:

Flavonoids in Ginkgo Biloba increase blood flow to the brain, reduce headaches, and protect circulation.

64. Main Source of n-6 Unsaturated Fatty Acids:

Palm oil is the main source of n-6 unsaturated fatty acids.

65. Highest Zinc Needs in Which Group:

Breastfeeding women have the highest zinc needs.

66. Main Factors Affecting Aging:

Hormone reduction and free radical damage are the two main factors affecting aging.

67. Individuals Susceptible to Chlorine Deficiency:

People with diarrhea may experience chlorine deficiency.

68. Activity of Free Radicals in the Body:

Excessive free radical activity leads to cell damage.

69. Main Function of Isothiocyanates in Cabbage:

Isothiocyanates in cabbage inhibit lung tumors.

70. Main Function of Phytosterols:

Phytosterols have anti-aging effects on women.

71. Main Role of Iodine:

Iodine participates in the formation of thyroid hormones.

72. Sedative and Pain-relieving Effects:

Valerian root has sedative and pain-relieving effects.

73. Changes in Blood Substance Levels During Stress:

Stress increases adrenaline levels in the blood.

74. Main Component of Animal Cartilage:

Chondroitin is the main component of animal cartilage.

75. Common Characteristics of Vitamins:

Vitamins do not produce energy.

76. Melatonin is Recommended for:

Melatonin is recommended for jet lag insomnia.

77. Effects of Phylloquinone:

Phylloquinone participates in blood clotting.

78. Main Route of Calcium Excretion:

Calcium is primarily excreted through feces.

79. Foods Supplementing Potassium:

Soy flour helps quickly replenish potassium deficiencies.

This translation provides a comprehensive overview of the original text, with clearer language and more concise explanations. It addresses the key points about functional foods, health, and the factors influencing them.