Exploring Notable Functional Foods in East of Asia, Health Benefits and Ideal Nutrition

The functional food industry has been developing rapidly in recent years. The most important pharmacological properties of jujube are anti-diabetic effects, hypnotic-sedative and anxiolytic effect, neuroprotective activity, sweetness inhibitor, anti-cancer activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-ulcer activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-spastic effect, anti-allergic activity, permeability enhancement activity, cognitive activities, anti-fertility property, hypotensive and anti-nephritic effect, cardiovascular activity, immunostimulant effects, anti-oxidant effects, and wound healing activity. N. nucifera has various notable pharmacological activities such as anti-ischemic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiviral, antiobesity, lipolytic, hypocholestermic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypogylcaemic, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities. Coix is a source of ornamental beads, a stable sustenance, and a productive fodder grass increasingly viewed as a potential energy source. The healing properties of lily include moisturizing the lungs, relieving cough from lung-dryness, clears heart-fire and tranquilizes the mind. Dried lily bulbs are commonly used in herbal formulas for promoting lung health, treating yin-deficiency of the heart which manifests as irritability, insomnia, dreaminess, palpitation and absent-mindedness, and promotes vital fluid and improves skin complexion. The most important tremella mushroom benefits are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, lower cholesterol, combat obesity, protect nerves and may fight cancer. Functional foods are making inroads into Chinese diets with their promises to improve health and nutrition. Chinese consumers should choose nutritional and healthy food to maintain general health and reduce the risk of health problems.