Prebiotics: A Carrier in The Development of Nutraceuticals Beverages

Abstract

Prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that are non-digestible by enzymes and selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria which are probiotic in nature. Prebiotics along with probiotic bacteria render many health benefits in the large intestine such as reduction of risk of cancer, control GIT infection, absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium etc. Functional foods and nutraceuticals are now becoming a huge market globally. Nutraceuticals are food or part of food that plays a significant role in modifying and maintaining physiological functions in humans. Prebiotics, probiotics, dietary fibers, nutrients, herbal foods, and antioxidants are categorized under nutraceuticals. FOS and insulin are commonly used prebiotics in the market. This article aims to provide knowledge on prebiotics, their types, sources, industrial production, their benefits on human health, application in the food sector, and how prebiotics can be a source ingredient for the development of nutraceuticals beverages.