8. a set of characteristics or qualities that identify a type or category of person or thing: a profile of a typical allergy sufferer. 9. the look or general contour of something. 10. degree of noticeability; visibility: a mayor with a high profile. 11. to draw, write, or produce a profile of.
The answer is a bit complicated. Just as there are no federal regulations or rules governing the word natural, no legal definition exists for functional foods in the United States. According to the Mayo Clinic, functional foods are generally considered to offer benefits that go beyond basic nutrition.
Mayonnaise is a commonly used condiment. Mayo adds flavoring and seasoning to many foods and is normally white or off-white. As with any food, it is important to know mayo's ingredients before consuming it. Oil is added to mayo in small amounts as it is whisked. If the oil is added too quickly or too slowly, the ingredients may not combine. When the mayo thickens, oil can be added more quickly. Egg yolks are used in mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients together and thereby prevent separation. Eggs also help maintain the texture of mayo.