With growing consumer awareness that balanced and varied diets are the key to the maintenance of good health, there is an impetus for new food products with proven health claims. In the past, the primary functions of foods were to supply energy and essential nutrients and to provide enjoyment. Recently, emphasis has also been placed on the role of foods in achievement and maintenance of health. This has led to development of new food products, lower than the equivalent standard products in certain ingredients - notably caffeine, cholesterol, poly-unsaturated fats, salt and sugar. In addition, food products with specific health promoting ingredients have been developed. In these products emphasis has been on ingredients scientifically shown to promote health, such as short-chain fatty acids and fibre, and also the health promoting bacteria probiotics. Links between food and health are thus increasingly recognised. In summary, probiotic bacteria have roles in development of new products for a healthy lifestyle and their consumption has clear health benefits.
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