What type of foods provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition?

Functional foods are those that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They not only offer the essential nutrients needed for growth and health but also contain bioactive compounds that can promote health and reduce the risk of disease. Examples of functional foods include those enriched with probiotics, which support gut health, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Genetically modified foods refer specifically to crops that have been altered at the genetic level to achieve desired traits, such as pest resistance or improved nutritional content, but this does not inherently mean they offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Processed foods often undergo various treatments for preservation or convenience and may not necessarily provide health benefits; they can also be high in additives or unhealthy components. Refined foods typically refer to those stripped of their natural nutrients during processing, often leading to lower nutritional value. Thus, functional foods stand out as those aimed explicitly at improving health outcomes, distinguishing them from other options.