Functional foods influence positively one or more biological
function in the human body, improving the state of health and
wellness, and reducing the risk of developing diseases (Diplock
et al., 1999). This food category includes all products containing
probiotic microorganisms defined as “live microorganisms which
when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on
the host” (Araya et al., 2002). The idea that alimentation might
prevent human diseases is very old; “Let food be thy medicine and
medicine be thy food” is a quote by Hippocrates 400 years B.C.
(Otles and Cagindi, 2012).
Yogurt is undoubtedly the fermented milk product best known
and consumed in the world. However, kefir represents another