The levels and bioavailability of phytochemicals in plant foods such as legumes, cereals, vegetables, herbs and fruits can be greatly affected by processing such as fermentation. This subsequently leads to increased antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial for treatment and/or prevention of diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Thus fermentation, especially with probiotics (functional microbes), can serve as an important process not only for preservation but also for production of functional foods with enhanced bioactive and antioxidant properties.