healthfood

Healthfood is a marketing term used for foods or dietary products promoted as having health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The term lacks a uniform, legally defined meaning and can vary by country. Healthfoods may include whole foods with perceived advantages, fortified or enriched items, functional foods designed to provide specific benefits, and dietary supplements marketed to address nutrient gaps.

Common examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy or fortified alternatives, cereals, and fortified beverages. Functional components such as fiber, omega-3 fats, plant sterols, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals are often highlighted. However, a product's overall nutrient profile matters most, and some healthfoods may be high in added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, or artificial additives.

Regulation of healthfood claims varies by country. In the United States, the FDA regulates dietary supplements and the use of health- or structure/function claims, while conventional foods are subject to safety and labeling rules. In the European Union, health claims require authorization based on scientific evidence and must be permitted by the European Food Safety Authority. Other regions have their own regimes. Consumers should read ingredient lists and serving sizes and consider the overall diet.

Market interest in healthfoods has grown with preventive health and wellness trends. There is growing emphasis on plant-based products, fortified foods, and probiotics. Critics note the ambiguity of the term, the potential for misleading claims, and the risk that health labeling may obscure unhealthy components. Overall, evaluating healthfoods requires scrutiny of evidence, clear labeling, and attention to overall dietary patterns.