What are Functional Foods?
Although it may not be known to everyone yet, the concept of “functional food” is revolutionizing the food industry.
According to WHO (World Health Organization), a functional food is one that, besides providing essential nutrients, has a positive impact on our health because it contains bioactive compounds.
This definition can be somewhat vague when it comes to understanding what exactly these foods are, and why they differ from others. Many wonder if it’s not a new marketing strategy by brands to sell us the “healthy” label.
Lately, society has shifted towards healthier lifestyle habits; and practices like yoga, meditation, and healthier nutrition are trending. Therefore, it’s important to explain the real benefits that can be offered by these foods sold under the term “functional”, to correctly understand what we’re buying.
What Benefits do Functional Foods Offer?
The difference between a functional food and a traditional one goes far beyond a commercial concept, as the benefits and health effects of a functional food must be backed by science.
Traditional or common foods are those that provide us with the basic nutrients our body needs (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, essential vitamins, and minerals). With them, we can meet our body’s metabolic and energy needs.
In contrast, and in addition to nourishing, functional foods also provide additional health benefits because they contain bioactive compounds (antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.).
These additional ingredients, which can make a real difference, can be added in various ways:
- By adding nutrients or bioactive compounds.
- Using natural ingredients with specific benefits.
- Maintaining intact beneficial compounds that were lost in the cooking process, through new manufacturing processes.
The benefits of these foods must be supported by scientific evidence, proving that regular consumption helps improve specific aspects of health. It’s not about consuming a “healthy” food, like a fruit or vegetable, but one that has the addition of one or more ingredients that produce a beneficial impact on our body.
Cannabis Terpenes: Much More than Aroma and Flavor
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants and fruits in the plant kingdom, including cannabis.
These molecules are known for providing aroma and flavor, but this isn’t their only virtue: Despite being famous for their scent (for instance, myrcene for its earthy notes, or limonene for its citrus nuances), terpenes also exhibit bioactive properties.
In fact, multiple scientific studies have proven that different cannabis terpenes have various properties of their own, ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial to anxiolytic and relaxing, among others. This makes them very valuable ingredients for the enrichment of functional foods.
For instance, myrcene, one of the main terpenes in cannabis, features antioxidant and relaxing properties that can be useful in foods aimed at improving sleep quality. Or limonene, which promotes focus and acts as a natural anxiolytic, can help reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.
Cannabis Terpene Profiles as Functional Ingredients in Food
Adding cannabis terpene profiles to food has several benefits:
- They provide unique flavors and aromas that are used to innovate and surprise consumers with new tastes.
- Foods enriched with terpene profiles have specific functional properties that will vary depending on the added profile. Therefore, adding terpenes to food products can make them act as natural relaxants or improve digestive function (among other effects), aligning with current wellness and preventive health trends.
Functional Food Products with Terpenes
In a society demanding better nutrition for a healthier lifestyle, functional foods are here to stay.
Thanks to the legalization of cannabis in more and more states and countries worldwide, the demand for functional foods with cannabis terpene profiles is growing.
Brands have already embraced this innovative solution for their creations, producing foods with terpenes aimed at enhancing mood, reducing inflammation, or boosting the immune system. These products attract consumers looking for natural options to improve their well-being.
Cali Terpenes is the pioneering brand that many food companies trust to incorporate terpene profiles into a wide range of products. Aromas that not only offer unique flavors but also possess bioactive properties that make them essential for functional foods.
Terpenes enhance the sensory experience and also provide health benefits. A good example is the renowned chocolate brand Remedios, which has created a line of different chocolates with various terpene profiles, each aimed at improving a specific area of health.
What’s more, cannabis terpene profiles don’t produce the psychoactive effects associated with the cannabis plant, so they’re suitable for all audiences and completely legal worldwide.
The Future of Terpenes in the Food Industry
For all the reasons mentioned above, cannabis terpene profiles have a promising future in the food industry. As demand for products that go beyond traditional nutrition increases, it becomes necessary to explore natural and healthy ingredients that contribute additional benefits.
Conclusion
Functional and bioactive foods are transforming the way we eat, and cannabis terpenes offer a new dimension for the enrichment of these products. With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing properties (among others), terpenes can improve the functionality of food, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
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If you liked this article, we recommend checking out some related articles, such as ‘How and why make energy drinks with terpene profiles‘.
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