Executive Summary

Abstract

In terms of individual health and physical condition, the situation in western societies is giving rise to concern. The last decades have seen a tremendous increase in availability and variety of food products which has undoubtedly affected the food habits of the average westerner. Despite the fact that food has become overall safer and increased accessibility allows for healthier diets, we are nevertheless faced with diet-related diseases of proper epidemic proportions. We now encounter an epidemic of obesity that spreads not only to the majority of the adult population but also, more worryingly, to young people who have rarely the option of alternative diets. Moreover, as scientific proofs for the link between diet and disease (particular cardiovascular diseases and some cancers) accumulate, there is an increasing number of calls for action. It is within this situation that Functional Foods have developed. They assume a highly targeted solution to diet related diseases with effective reduction of risk and improved physical and mental well being.