How to Choose Health Functional Foods

Question 1: What health parameter do you want to manage?
Blood Pressure
High-normal or borderline high blood pressure (130-139/85-89)
→ Blood Pressure
Blood Sugar
Prediabetes, post-meal sugar spikes, borderline HbA1c
→ Blood Sugar
Cholesterol
High LDL, borderline total cholesterol
→ Cholesterol (No products currently)
Body Fat
Excess visceral fat, weight management
→ Body Fat (No products currently)
Digestive Health
Irregular bowel movements, intestinal health, mild constipation
→ Regulate the Intestines
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Question 2: Are you looking for FOSHU or Functional Foods?
FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses)
• Government-approved with individual product review
• Highest level of regulatory approval
• Clinical studies required for approval
• Displays FOSHU logo on packaging
Functional Foods
• Foods with Function Claims
• Company submits scientific evidence
• No individual product review required
• Broader range of products available
Most categories offer both FOSHU and Functional options - choose based on your preference for regulatory approval level
↓
Question 3: What product format do you prefer?
Drinks
Ready-to-drink bottles, convenient for daily use
Powder/Granules
Mix with water or food, flexible dosing
Tablets/Capsules
Easy to take, portable, precise dosing
Choose based on your lifestyle and convenience preferences - all formats are equally effective

Important Guidelines:

Health Functional Foods Category Comparison

Category What This Is Primary Target Key Active Ingredients Availability
Blood Pressure Government-approved foods for blood pressure management Borderline high BP (130-139/85-89 mmHg), prehypertension Marine peptides, GABA, Sardine peptides Available
Blood Sugar Government-approved foods for blood sugar management Prediabetes, post-meal sugar spikes, borderline HbA1c Indigestible dextrin, Salacia extract, Dietary fiber Available
Body Fat Functional foods for body fat reduction Excess visceral fat, mild obesity, weight management Tea catechins, MCT oil, CLA (typically) No Products
Cholesterol Functional foods for cholesterol management High LDL cholesterol, borderline total cholesterol Plant sterols/stanols, Dietary fiber (typically) No Products
Regulate the Intestines Government-approved foods for intestinal health Irregular bowel movements, mild constipation, gut health Oligosaccharides, Dietary fiber, Probiotics Available

Understanding FOSHU vs Functional Foods:

FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses):

• Highest level of government approval in Japan
• Individual product evaluation by Consumer Affairs Agency
• Clinical studies demonstrating efficacy required
• Displays distinctive FOSHU logo on packaging
• Stricter quality and safety standards
• More expensive due to approval process

Foods with Function Claims (Functional):

• Company submits scientific evidence to authorities
• No individual product review required
• Based on existing scientific literature
• Notification system, not approval
• More products available in this category
• Generally more affordable than FOSHU

Important Usage Guidelines:

These are NOT medicines: Health Functional Foods are foods with scientifically-proven health benefits, not pharmaceutical drugs. They support health management but cannot treat diseases or replace prescribed medications.

When to use: Best for people with borderline values (pre-disease state) who want dietary support for health management, or for preventive care in healthy individuals with family history of certain conditions.

Do NOT replace medical treatment: If you have diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or other medical conditions, these foods supplement your treatment but do not replace prescribed medications. Never stop taking prescribed medicine without doctor approval.

Daily consistent use required: Unlike medicines that work quickly, functional foods require daily consumption over several weeks (typically 4-12 weeks) to see measurable effects. Stopping use means losing benefits.

Lifestyle is essential: These products work best as part of comprehensive lifestyle changes including balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. They enhance but don't replace healthy lifestyle choices.

Doctor consultation critical: Always inform your doctor about functional foods you're taking, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications. Some ingredients may interact with medications or affect test results.

Regular monitoring continues: Keep regular health checkups and parameter monitoring (blood pressure, blood tests, etc.) even when using these products. Track your results to see if products are working.