What is meant by "functional foods"?

Functional foods are defined as foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This means they contain bioactive compounds that can contribute to overall health and well-being, supporting bodily functions and potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases. An example of functional foods might include those fortified with vitamins and minerals, or natural foods that have beneficial effects on health, such as oats, which can help lower cholesterol levels.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the concept of functional foods. Foods designed solely for weight management refer primarily to calorie control and do not imply any additional health benefits. Foods high in calories and low in nutrients would actually be counterproductive to health, lacking the essential nutrients that functional foods provide. Lastly, foods that are artificially flavored and enhanced do not inherently provide any health benefits and often focus on taste improvement rather than nutritional value.