ASEAN FUNCTIONAL FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS

The prevalence of lifestyle and diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases has escalated in ASEAN countries during this time of globalization and modernization. Moreover, Asians are faced with challenges in finding solutions for problems of undernutrition and overnutrition and in promoting a healthy lifestyle in diverse populations. Consumer awareness on improving health through the right diet and healthy lifestyle and the rise of health care costs increased the demand for healthy, convenient, safe and high quality products. Industry experts have predicted a burgeoning market for functional foods and products. Thus, researches today are now focused on the development of functional foods utilizing edible plants, fruits and vegetables which have been traditionally used for curing or preventing diseases.

Potential sources of food that provide health benefit can be abundantly found in ASEAN countries. These resources come from different food plants and herbs, which are generally used as tea and beverages. The disease prevention and healing properties of most of these foods, however, are based on testimonials and not on scientific evidences. Soybeans are grown and widely used as meat substitute and source of protein and presently as source of isoflavones, which prevents cardiovascular diseases and cancer. A number of cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, root crops, fruits and vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber that provide health benefits. The ASEAN region is also a potential source of fish and other marine products that are sources of omega-3-fatty acid. Because of these resources, the ASEAN region has great potential for the development of functional foods. Functional food products and biologically active ingredients are unique to the region and therefore, could be useful in disease prevention thereby, promoting the well-being of the population.

Although the use of food in disease prevention and healing has been an integral part of the Asian culture for many years, the concept of functional food product has not been fully defined yet in most Asian countries. Not all countries in the ASEAN region have rules and regulations on the manufacture and sale of functional foods.

It is therefore recommended that greater efforts be exerted in all activities related to a harmonized research and development, establishment of rules and regulations on the manufacture, sale and standards of functional foods among the ASEAN countries.

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