Patents
Cereal bars are known in different names including energy bars, granola bars, food bars, meal replacement bars, etc. Fortified with proteins vitamins, dehydrated fruits, nuts, dietary fiber, etc., they are capable of being vehicles for supplying nutraceuticals. The invention relates to food products supplemented with dietary fiber. The term dietary fiber defined as the components of plant materials which are resistant to human digestive enzymes, such as celluloses, lignin, gums, etc. In recent years, the physiological benefits of adequate levels of dietary fiber in the diet have become more and more evident. Such benefits include the normalization of the bowel function and reduction of the occurrence of certain coloic diseases. Increased dietary fiber intake has been used in the treatment for diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridmedia. Dietary fiber has also been used as a control for metabolic rates to help prevent obesity. In view of these benefits, health authorities in US have recommended a daily consumption of 20-35g of dietary fiber. Due to increased health consciousness and awareness of the consumers, the demand for health foods in soaring throughout the world.