ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

What are functional foods?

1. Foods high in calories

2. Foods selected for taste alone

3. Foods chosen for reasons beyond calorie and nutrient content

4. Processed foods with added sugars

The correct answer is: Foods chosen for reasons beyond calorie and nutrient content

Functional foods are those that are selected for reasons beyond just their calorie and nutrient content. These foods are recognized for their health benefits, which may include contributing to disease prevention or promoting overall health. The concept of functional foods encompasses a wide range of items that may include whole foods like fruits and vegetables as well as fortified or enriched products designed to offer specific health benefits. The focus on health-promoting attributes could involve the presence of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to beneficial effects on health. This understanding helps guide individuals in making dietary choices that align with both their nutritional needs and health goals, emphasizing a holistic approach to diet rather than merely focusing on macronutrient balance or caloric intake. In contrast, options that suggest foods purely for taste, those high in calories, or processed foods with added sugars do not align with the functional food definition. Taste alone may lead to unhealthy choices without considering health impacts, high-calorie foods may not provide additional health benefits, and processed foods tend to lack the natural health-promoting properties found in true functional foods.