In my country, food ingredients with specific health-promoting functions are categorized into three main groups: "substances that are both food and medicine" (used as ordinary food ingredients), ingredients specifically approved for use in health supplements, and functional nutritional ingredients. All such approved ingredients are subject to clear usage guidelines and defined health functions; however, they cannot replace medical treatment for diseases.
Substances That Are Both Food and Medicine (Can be used directly as ordinary food ingredients)
There are 106 such ingredients, officially cataloged by the National Health Commission. They are considered highly safe and can be added directly to ordinary food products or consumed as part of one's daily diet:
Fruits and Seeds: Hawthorn (supports blood lipid regulation and digestion), Goji berries (antioxidant, boosts immunity), Sour jujube seeds (soothes the nervous system, improves sleep), Coix seeds (regulates intestinal metabolism, promotes diuresis and removes dampness).
Roots, Rhizomes, Fungi, and Algae: Chinese yam (nourishes the spleen and stomach), Polygonatum (regulates metabolism, combats fatigue), Poria cocos (regulates gut microbiota), Kelp (provides iodine, supports blood lipid regulation).
Flowers, Leaves, and Whole Herbs: Chrysanthemum (clears heat, benefits the eyes, antioxidant), Honeysuckle (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), Dandelion (clears heat, detoxifies), Lotus leaf (supports weight management).
Ingredients with Specified Daily Limits: Codonopsis pilosula (≤10g/day; replenishes qi, combats fatigue), Dendrobium officinale (regulates immunity), Astragalus membranaceus (enhances the body's defense mechanisms), American ginseng (≤3g/day; relieves physical fatigue). Products containing these ingredients must state the recommended daily limit and identify groups for whom the product is not suitable on the packaging.
Ingredients Specifically for Health Foods (Restricted to Health Food Products)
These ingredients are included in the national "List of Substances Permitted for Use in Health Foods." They cannot be added to ordinary food products at will and require official health food approval before use.
Classic Tonifying Ingredients: Ginseng (contains ginsenosides; enhances immunity and combats fatigue), Reishi mushroom/Lingzhi (contains polysaccharides; activates immune cells), and Rhodiola rosea (improves tolerance to hypoxia).
Function-Specific Ingredients:Panax notoginseng (supports blood circulation), Epimedium (alleviates physical fatigue), Ginkgo biloba leaf (supports memory improvement), and Propolis (enhances immunity).
Ingredients with Established National Standards:Broken-cell-wall Reishi spore powder, Melatonin (improves sleep), Coenzyme Q10 (supports cardiovascular health), and Spirulina (provides high-quality protein and enhances immunity). These four categories have dedicated national standards, ensuring more standardized quality control.
