Functional Foods in Japan

The idea of enriching foods with other nutrients, just as I am doing with the omega-3's in chocolate, is not a new idea. It has been tried over the years with such ingredients as vitamin D (milk) and calcium (orange juice), and in many different cultures. The cross-cultural aspect of functional foods in general and chocolate in particular is nicely summarized in a recent segment on Public Radio International's "The World". 

Check out the link: www.theworld.org/?q=node/23644

The are many interesting issues brought up in this interview surrounding the pros/cons of using single ingredients as 'magic bullets' versus relying on the whole foods to provide us optimal health and wellness. Let me know what you think!

Martek Biosciences website helps to locate omega-3 products

As with Dr. Dave's Omega-3 Foods, other companies are trying to help people meet their daily omega-3 requirements. One way to find such companies is on the Martek Biosciences website (consumer.martek.com/findinglifesdha/partnerproducts/). Martek is the only U.S. manufacturer of algae-based DHA, a good way for vegetarians to receive their daily omega-3 fatty acids. Stay tuned for algae oils that provide both DHA and EPA, more similar to what is found in fish and fish oil, and closer to what we need physiologically to fight inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and support brain development. On a side note, as much as I absolutely support Michael Pollan's approach to food and eating (Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.), omega-3 enhanced foods like Dr. Dave's Mega-O, often referred to as "functional foods", are a convenient way to meet the recommended omega-3 levels and often easier than trying to reach those levels by simply eating the foods that contain omega-3's. Let me know your favorite omega-3 products; I'm always interested in trying delicious creations!