During the last fifty years, scientists have identified physiologically active components in foods that theoretically lower the risk of several chronic diseases.
An aging, health-conscious population, technological advances, and the introduction of health-promoting products emerged in the 1990s to create a trend termed “functional foods.” Functional foods are foods that provide health benefits along with basic nutrition. These foods have been designed to correct nutritional deficiencies and reduce the threat of disease. Despite the advantages of functional foods, companies in the preventative care industries are challenged to reach consumers while communicating the value of their products.