The New York State Dietetic Association just published their list of the top 5 functional foods -- those foods that provide true, functional benefit to health and wellness. Perhaps surprisingly, only one -- yogurt -- has something actually added to it to make it more functional, namely active live cultures. As the NYSDA puts it, the top 4 "are highly functional despite not possessing introduced functional ingredients." Their list includes:
1. Salmon, for omega-3s.
2. Oats, for fiber. (Most of us don't even get half of the recommended amount.)
3. Blueberries, for antioxidants.
4. Low-fat milk, for calcium and vitamin D.
5. Yogurt, for probiotics (that's the added functionality), plus calcium and protein.