Fruits, Vegetables No. 1 Functional Food

WASHINGTONFruits and vegetables ranked as the top functional food by consumers in the new International Food Information Council (IFIC) Functional Foods/Foods for Health Consumer Trending Survey. Following that, consumers ranked fish, fish oil, seafood; dairy (including milk and yogurt); meat and poultry; and herbs/spices as the top functional foods.

In the survey, 89 percent of Americans said they believe foods may reduce the risk of cancer and other health concerns.

Other topics covered in the survey include Americans top health concerns, consumer interest in 16 specific benefits provided by foods and beverages, and awareness and consumption of 27 different diet and health relationships.

The survey results were based on 1,005 online surveys of U.S. adults 18 years and older from May 11 to 20, 2009.