Abstract: A method for increasing the soluble fiber content of fermented foods by adding pyrodextrin, especially a pyrodextrin in which the linkages have been highly randomized, to the foodstuff before the fermentation step. The enzymes involved in fermentation partially degrade the added pyrodextrin, reducing it to sugar and soluble fiber.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that includes a lignan, and an additional compound such as an isoflavone, a tocopherol, a phytosterol, a polyphenol, a catechin, an anthocyanin, an astaxanthin, or a glucosamine. The compositions can be formulated as a dietary supplement, in tablet, powder or liquid form, or can be incorporated into a food product. Methods of treating various diseases by administering the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing the soluble fiber content of fermented foods by adding pyrodextrin, especially a pyrodextrin in which the linkages have been highly randomized, to the foodstuff before the fermentation step. The enzymes involved in fermentation partially degrade the added pyrodextrin, reducing it to sugar and soluble fiber.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the preparation of a sterol ester-enriched food ingredient utilizing a base-catalyzed tranesterification of free sterol with fatty acyl glyceride. Phytosterols are subject to transesterification with fatty acyl glyceride from vegetable oils in the presence of an alkali catalyst. The reaction is performed under vacuum in the range of 0.01-1 Torr. Following an initial period of transesterification, the reaction mixture is distilled to remove glycerol to enhance the formation of sterol esters. A sterol ester-rich fraction can be isolated from the reaction mixture using organic solvents in combination with aqueous washes.

Abstract: A process for producing a free-flowing powder comprising water dispersible sterols, the process comprising commingling sterols and lecithin in an organic solvent, removing the solvent to produce a commingled solid material, grinding the commingled solid to produce a powder, hydrating the powder in water, adding a spray drying adjunct before or after homogenization of the powder, and spray drying the homogenized product.