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.
If you are going to consume soy, it is least harmful in its fermented state. Foods like Tempeh and Miso have some health promoting properties and many of the harmful anti-nutrients are fermented out. These are fine in moderation. Just look for ones that have been traditionally fermented.