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.
The functional properties of food are the physical and chemical changes that occur during food storage, preparation and presentation. Carbohydrates are found in foods containing large amounts of sugar, fibre or starch. Cereal products, vegetables and fruit are the best sources of carbohydrate.