As the high cost of health care looms at the forefront of consumer consciousness, many seek practical, preventive ways to maintain health and wellness by bolstering their natural defenses. One obvious choice is consuming more healthful functional foods and beverages. Consequently, the U.S. retail market for functional foods and beverages increased by 6% between 2007 and 2008 with sales totaling nearly $31 billion. This trend creates opportunities to develop products that promise to determine the…