Functional Food

This hub provides a comprehensive overview and the latest news on functional foods, superfoods, and dietary components that contribute to health and disease prevention. The collection highlights bioactive compounds in foods such as lychee, chia seeds, dates, baobab fruit, and black sesame, alongside evidence-based discussions on fermented foods, postbiotics, and algae-based supplements. Readers will also find insights into the health benefits of traditional and modern diets, including the Atlantic and Washoku patterns, as well as functional beverages and plant-derived oils. By combining nutritional science, clinical research, and updates on emerging food innovations, this hub equips healthcare professionals, researchers, and health-conscious individuals with reliable knowledge to evaluate functional foods and their role in supporting long-term wellness.

Lychee Health Benefits: Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Anti-Cancer Insights

Lychee contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties, though most evidence comes from experimental models. Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential.

Overview

Explore the latest news and expert articles on functional foods, superfoods, and nutrition, from chia seeds and baobab to fermented foods and postbiotics. This hub delivers evidence-based insights for clinicians, researchers, and health-focused readers.

Tart Cherry Benefits: Fact or Fiction for Wellness and Recovery?

The Potential of Algae-Based Supplements in Nutritional Health

Safflower Oil Benefits: Heart, Blood Sugar, and Skin Health Explained

The Rise of Postbiotics for Gut Health

What are the Health Benefits of Eating Dates?

What is the TLC Diet?

What are the Health Benefits of Fermented Foods?

Washoku Diet: Fermented, Fiber-Rich, and Functional

What Are The Health Benefits Of Honey?

The Rise of Functional Beverages

Is Guarana Safe? Health Benefits, Side Effects, and Recommended Dosage

See more featured articles »

Does Eating Sea Moss Provide Health Benefits?

Gut Health Benefits of Baobab Fruit: An African Superfood

What are Functional Foods?

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

How the Atlantic Diet Supports Long-Term Health and Prevents Chronic Disease

Is Watermelon a Superfood? Examining the Scientific Evidence

Sesame Oil Health Benefits: Examining the Diverse Roles of Lignans and Lipids

Health Benefits of Spinach

Black Sesame Seeds: Evidence-Based Health Benefits and Modern Uses

Beetroot Health Benefits: Circulation, Blood Pressure, and Athletic Gains

Differences between Safflower Oil and Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Latest Functional Food News and Research

Roasted Arabica coffee hides powerful antidiabetic molecules

Three novel coffee diterpene esters, caffaldehydes A, B, and C, were discovered in Arabica beans, showcasing significant alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

3 Sep 2025

Compounds show significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase

Three of the compounds demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, a key enzyme in carbohydrate digestion. The findings could pave the way for new functional food ingredients targeting type 2 diabetes.

2 Sep 2025

New strategies to tackle resistant foodborne pathogens

Innovative approaches in food and beverage analysis are transforming pathogen detection and control, emphasizing the role of natural compounds and sequencing.

19 Aug 2025

Study shows promising anti-diabetic potential of coffee's functional components

18 Aug 2025

Can ginger help diabetes? Major review says yes, it lowers blood sugar and inflammation effectively

A new systematic review of five meta-analyses confirms that ginger significantly reduces inflammation, lowers blood sugar and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, and improves antioxidant status. It also effectively reduces nausea in pregnancy, though its impact on vomiting is less consistent.

17 Aug 2025

Eating over 60g of almonds a day may protect DNA and cut oxidative damage

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that almond supplementation, especially at doses above 60 g/day, significantly reduced oxidative DNA and lipid damage and improved antioxidant enzyme activity in adults. The benefits varied by biomarker and were influenced by dose, preparation, and participant characteristics.

14 Aug 2025

Lauric acid could be a key cancer-fighting compound in coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil and lauric acid show promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and mitigating chemotherapy toxicity, paving the way for future therapies.

11 Aug 2025

Egg yolk compound shows promise in osteoporosis management

As osteoporosis becomes an increasingly common health concern worldwide, researchers are exploring alternative treatments to combat bone loss, which often leads to fractures.

7 Aug 2025

Powerful bioactives found in overlooked Amazonian fruits

Lesser-known Amazonian fruits exhibit strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, highlighting their role in public health and biotechnology research.

31 Jul 2025

Why Spirulina could be a helpful natural option for lowering blood pressure

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that consuming whole microalgae, especially Spirulina, can significantly lower blood pressure, particularly in adults with elevated levels. No significant effects were observed for macroalgae or algae extracts.

30 Jul 2025

New study shows potent effects of desert berry extract (NRK-C)

The global diabetes epidemic continues its relentless march, with projections suggesting 750 million sufferers by 2045. While current medications help control symptoms, they often come with undesirable side effects and don't address the root causes of metabolic dysfunction. The search for better solutions has turned scientists toward natural drugs, where traditional remedies may hold untapped potential.

26 Jul 2025

Hemp seeds: The surprisingly complete protein hiding in plain sight

Researchers reviewed the nutritional and functional potential of industrial hemp seeds, highlighting their complete protein, healthy fat, and fiber content. The review outlines how processing innovations and market forces could make hemp a leading ingredient in plant-based and functional foods.

24 Jul 2025

Liupao tea improves metabolic syndrome risks in clinical trial

Liupao tea shows promise in improving metabolic syndrome markers, enhancing heart health and gut balance in just three months, according to recent research.

23 Jul 2025

Acorn-based coffee boosts antioxidants with minimal health risk

Oak acorns processed into coffee-like beverages are rich in antioxidants and safe, positioning them as a sustainable superfood for health-conscious individuals.

18 Jul 2025

How does olive oil affect gut health?

Could olive oil’s hidden compounds be the key to a healthier gut? New research uncovers how olive-derived bioactives transform our microbiome and may unlock future therapies for digestive and metabolic health.

9 Jul 2025

Stress-activated gene damages insulin-producing cells in type 2 diabetes

Stress does no one - not even your insulin-producing cells - any good.

24 Jun 2025

Probiotics remain potent in simple plant-based drinks

Non-encapsulated probiotics thrive in fruit and vegetable juices, maintaining viability and sensory appeal, paving the way for innovative functional beverages.

24 Jun 2025

NTU and WHO launch global initiative to advance food safety innovation

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are collaborating on a new project to bolster global capabilities in food safety risk assessment, in support of the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030.

18 Jun 2025

Chromium-rich fiber supplement keeps you fuller and reduces insulin spikes

A single dose of a chromium-enriched glucomannan-fructo-oligosaccharide fiber complex significantly reduced postprandial insulin and increased fullness in healthy adults, without affecting blood glucose. These findings highlight the potential of this functional fiber blend to support appetite control and metabolic health.

10 Jun 2025

Scientists boost black cabbage’s health benefits with targeted fermentation

Controlled fermentation of black cabbage using specific bacterial and yeast starters enhanced its antioxidant, polyphenol, and amino acid content, while ensuring food safety and improving sensory qualities. Yeast-fermented pressed cabbage achieved the highest nutritional gains, with both starter cultures and pressing technique playing key roles in maximizing health-promoting benefits.

28 May 2025