Functional Nutrition and Functional Foods
In today’s fast-paced world, the terms ‘functional nutrition’ and ‘functional foods’ are becoming increasingly common. But what do they mean for your health? Let’s find out!
Functional Nutrition
Ever felt like there’s more to health than just popping pills or following generic diets?
That’s where functional nutrition steps in, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it zeroes in on you as a unique individual—considering everything from your diet and living environment to your mental well-being and fitness habits.
The goal? Prevention over cure. By pinpointing and addressing the underlying causes of health issues, functional nutrition goes beyond merely treating symptoms. It’s about restoring balance through targeted dietary choices, lifestyle adjustments, and when needed, carefully selected supplements.
But here’s the kicker: according to functional nutrition, health is not just the absence of disease, but creating and maintaining a state of immense vitality. Since we’re all unique, what works brilliantly for one person might not suit another. So you’ll need to consult with a functional nutritionist to get a nutrition plan tailored to fuel your individual needs and goals.
Functional Foods
Functional foods aren’t your average fruits, veggies, or grains, these foods offer several powerful health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. For example, foods fortified with vitamins or minerals, or those rich in antioxidants and probiotics, fall into this category.
The concept of functional foods originated in Japan in the 1980s when certain foods were recognized for their ability to promote health and prevent disease. Today, the list of functional foods is extensive and includes everything from berries and nuts to fermented foods like yoghurt.
Functional nutrition and functional foods are like two peas in a pod. While functional nutrition provides the framework, outlining what your body needs, functional foods are the tools that help you achieve those goals. Together, they create a synergistic approach to health and wellness.
If your functional nutrition plan identifies a need for better gut health, functional foods like yoghurt or kimchi, rich in probiotics, can be incorporated into your diet and so on.
Plant Protein
So are you ready to explore plant proteins and functional nutrition?
Found in foods like peas, beans, and lentils, plant proteins are packed with essential nutrients our bodies love, like antioxidants and vitamins. Furthermore, plant proteins are often more digestible and may offer additional health advantages, such as promoting a healthy gut microbiome, compared to some animal-derived proteins. When it comes to functional nutrition, these nutrients are the real MVPs, helping with everything from repairing muscles and boosting immunity to balancing hormones and keeping our cells healthy.
In simpler terms, plant proteins bring a treasure trove of benefits to the table, making them a perfect match for the goals of functional nutrition. Together, they’re like the dynamic duo of wellness, working in harmony to support our bodies from the inside out. It’s all about giving our bodies the best fuel possible for a vibrant, healthy life. We highly recommend Origin’s Plant Proteins.
New to protein? Try out our Trial pack for flavour discovery!
Blending functional nutrition with functional foods is a comprehensive path to genuine well-being. This approach focuses on prevention and harnesses the unique advantages of functional foods. By making savvy food choices and tailoring your nutrition to fit your needs, you’re not just making meals—you’re crafting a blueprint for a healthier, more vibrant you.
Cheers to your health and happiness from Origin Nutrition.
