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.
Walnuts and pecans offer numerous health benefits. Functional foods bring specific benefits to the body when consumed on a regular basis. Walnuts and pecans, and other forms of nuts, fall into this category because of their ability to keep the heart healthy. This is largely due to their fat content.