The ESB has developed and optimized the procedure for the production of dehydrated fruits containing probiotic microorganisms beneficial to health. There are already available in the market various products fortified with probiotics, mainly in the dairy sector. However, intolerance to lactose prevents a high consumption of these products. This latest innovation will serve as the basis for the commercial launch of various food products and a broader access by most people.

Through an adequate drying technology, dried apple cubes coated with probiotic bacteria were produced, among others. The benefits of their use are documented in several studies and clinical laboratories, particularly at the level of intestinal disorders and infections. Consumed as an aperitif or incorporated into other foods such as breakfast cereals, dried apple (or other fruit) with probiotics can be an alternative to eating more snacks incomplete or less healthy. Curiously, a study conducted this year at the University of Florida reveals that the consumption of dried apple by 160 women over a year reduced total cholesterol levels by 14 percent and LDL (bad cholesterol) by 23 percent and increased the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol by 4 percent.

Probiotic foods

Consumers increasingly demand a healthy and balanced diet and this can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases. In this context, research has emerged on functional foods (fortified foods or natural food ingredients – like vitamins, minerals, or bacterial cultures – that contribute to the maintenance of health and reduction of the risk of disease). Probiotic bacteria are examples of biologically active substances that can be found in functional foods.