Cultured

New developments in the aseptic arena are adding a "culture" to the base product after the base product is completely sterilized. Depending on the culture used, these kinds of products are said to have great health benefits. There are indications that these cultures can strengthen the immune system or reduce the cholesterol level in the blood.

An often used micro-organism is the Bifido bacteria.

Today, we also recognize Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus, L. reuteri and Lactococcus lactis as micro- organisms which can be used for the production of "FUNCTIONAL FOODS".  Functional foods can be described as foods with near medicinal properties that promote or enhance health.

In Europe and Japan these products have been on the market for quite sometime (for example: BRA, Actimel, Onaka and Yakult).

L. acidophilus and Bifido bacteria seem to benefit people with a lactose intolerance. They are said to have a restoring effect on the intestinal flora.

The effect of these products has often been criticized. The statement that products containing "the culture" will bypass the stomach and destroy putrefactive bacteria in the colon, are disputed.  Some claim that these cultures never pass into the lower stomach's pH (approximately pH of 2).

However, several country's and Health insurance programs have already recognized the benefits of 'foods for health' in an attempt to reduce the cost of medical treatments.

The benefits and claimed effects are not fully documented yet, and future clinical and scientific investigations should provide more answers.

Last modified: Monday, January 17, 2005 14:51:40    1999-2005 Copy right © ASEP-TECH USA LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.