Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a health supplement and particularly to a method for preparation of an edible snack bar for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Description of Related Art
[002] Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and cognitive decline are increasingly linked to gut health problems, such as indigestion and dysbiosis. The concept of promoting wellness through gut health has gained significant momentum in recent years, especially as research continues to reveal the interconnectedness of the gut-brain axis. Gut health is critical to overall physical well-being, immune function, and mental clarity. Specifically, a balanced microbiome has been shown to reduce inflammation, support immunity, and influence mental health by producing neurotransmitters. Disruptions in gut health, such as dysbiosis caused by lifestyle factors, poor diet, or antibiotic overuse, lead to mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
[003] The conventional approach to addressing these health issues has been segmented, with dietary supplements and foods targeting either gut health or cognitive well-being separately. Existing solutions often include single-strain probiotics or prebiotics, as well as Ayurvedic herbs in the form of capsules, powders, or teas. While these approaches offer isolated benefits, they fail to provide a comprehensive solution that integrates gut and mental health benefits simultaneously. These formats are also limited in adherence due to a lack of palatability, convenience, and bioavailability, especially when herbal formulations are used.
[004] Recent innovations have looked to incorporate symbiotics—combinations of prebiotics and probiotics—to create synergistic effects that maximize gut health benefits. Additionally, certain probiotics, like Bacillus coagulants, demonstrate resilience to heat and moisture, making them viable for incorporation into everyday food products. Ayurvedic herbs, such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi, are well-documented for their cognitive and apoptogenic benefits. However, many traditional methods do not adequately address the bioavailability or taste challenges associated with these herbs. Further, existing products often fail to effectively address both mental and digestive health or are inconvenient to use.
[005] Therefore, a convenient, palatable, and effective formulation is needed to deliver combined cognitive and gut health benefits through an integrated symbiotic approach. Such a solution would enable individuals to support their well-being holistically by addressing both physical and mental health in a single, easy-to-consume product.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced method for preparation of an edible snack bar for promoting a healthy lifestyle that can administer the aforementioned limitations I n a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar for promoting a healthy lifestyle. The method comprising steps of: procuring herbs from a first source and millets from a second source; extracting prebiotics from the herbs using hydroethanolic extraction utilizing a microwave irradiations, an ultrasonic irradiations, or a combination thereof; freeze drying the extracted prebiotics; formulating a symbiotic mixture by combining the freeze-dried herbal prebiotics with Bacillus coagulants. The Bacillus coagulants are Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 5856. The method further comprising steps of: adding the millets, by a first weight by weight percentage (w/w%), and gum arabica as a binding agent, in a second weight by weight percentage (w/w%), in the formulated symbiotic mixture to obtain a final mixture; and molding and allowing a settling down of the final mixture in a mold.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that supports both cognitive and gut health simultaneously, addressing the gut-brain axis to provide a holistic approach to wellness.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that integrates Ayurvedic herbs with heat-stable probiotics, the invention optimizes the bioavailability of active compounds, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that is designed as an easy-to-consume, tasty snack bar, making it more likely for users to adhere to a daily routine.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that promotes a balanced gut microbiome, amplifying the health benefits through a synergistic interaction between the gut and brain.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that uses heat-stable probiotics to ensure the product remains effective even under varying storage conditions, increasing its shelf life and viability as a commercial product.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that provides cognitive and apoptogenic benefits, promoting mental clarity, stress reduction, and emotional balance as part of the gut-brain connection.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that features an inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients, such as millet, adds fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the nutritional profile of the snack bar.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that leverages natural Ayurvedic herbs and probiotics without synthetic additives, appealing to consumers seeking a natural, integrative approach to wellness.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that offers gut and cognitive health benefits in a single, accessible product, the invention enables users to improve their wellness without needing multiple supplements, reducing cost and complexity.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for preparation of an edible snack bar that is suitable for busy lifestyles, providing a portable, ready-to-eat option that supports health on the go.
[0019] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0020] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1A illustrates an edible snack bar, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1B illustrates herbs, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 1C illustrates millets, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 1D illustrates Bacillus coagulants, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 1E illustrates gum arabica, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates an extractor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a dryer, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2C illustrates a mixer, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2D illustrates a mold, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for preparation of the edible snack bar, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0034] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0035] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0036] FIG. 1A illustrates an edible snack bar 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may be a consumable that may be consumed by a user. Upon consumption of the edible snack bar 100, the user may observe an enhancement in bodily functions such as, but not limited to, improved digestion, improvement of concentration, an overall improved stomach health, curing ongoing abdomen ailments, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover enhancement in bodily functions induced by the edible snack bar 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The edible snack bar 100 may be a synbiotic herbal snack that is produced by combining prebiotics and heat-stable probiotics to offer a palatable, convenient, and effective way to improve mental and gut health together.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may be, but not limited to, swallowed, drank, applied, injected, sucked, snorted, and so forth by the user. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may be chewed by the user. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any means for consumption of the edible snack bar 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may be of form factor such as, but not limited to, a pill, a tablet, a capsule, a syrup, a powder, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may be a bar. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form factor of the edible snack bar 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the edible snack bar 100 may contain ingredients such as, but not limited to, herbs 102, millets 104, Bacillus coagulants 106, gum arabica 108, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any ingredients of the edible snack bar 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates the herbs 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the herbs 102 may be procured from a first source. According to embodiments of the present invention, the first source for procurement of the herbs 102 may be, but not limited to, a retail market, a harvested garden, a laboratory, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any first source for procurement of the herbs 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, the procured herbs 102 may be in a form of such as, but not limited to, a powder, a slushie, a solution, an intact, a tablet, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the procured herbs 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] According to embodiments of the present invention, the herbs 102 may, but not limited to, a Withania somnifera root extract, a Bacopa monnieri leaf and stem extract, a Centella asiatica leaf extract, an Emblica officinalis fruit extract, a Curcuma longa rhizome extract, a Piper nigrum dried seed extract, a Zingiber officinale rhizome extract, a Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any herbs 102 that may be procured, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the root extract of the Withania somnifera may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, phytophenols, glycosides, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the root extract of the Withania somnifera, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the root extract of the Withania somnifera may be an aqueous extraction with concentrations in a range from 200 milligrams (mg) to 500 milligrams (mg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the root extract of the Withania somnifera.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the leaf and stem extract of the Bacopa monnieri may belong to the bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the leaf and stem extract of the Bacopa monnieri, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the leaf and stem extract of the Bacopa monnieri may be an ethanol and methanolic extraction with concentrations in a range from 150 milligrams (mg) to 300 milligrams (mg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the leaf and stem extract of the Bacopa monnieri.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the leaf extract of the Centella asiatica may belong from a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, terpenoids, flavonoids, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the leaf extract of the Centella asiatica, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the leaf extract of the Centella asiatica may be an ethanol and methanolic extraction with concentrations in a range from 250 milligrams/day (mg/day) to 700 milligrams/day (mg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the leaf extract of the Centella asiatica.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fruit extract of the Emblica officinalis may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, polyphenols, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the fruit extract of the Emblica officinalis, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the fruit extract of the Emblica officinalis may be an aqueous extract of fruit pulp/ or sun-dried with concentrations in a range from 100 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) to 300 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the fruit extract of the Emblica officinalis.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rhizome extract of the Curcuma longa may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, phenolics, terpenes, essential oils, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the rhizome extract of the Curcuma longa, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the rhizome extract of the Curcuma longa may be an aqueous ethanolic, methanolic extracts with concentrations in a range from 100 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) to 300 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the rhizome extract of the Curcuma longa.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dried seed extract of the Piper nigrum may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, alkaloid piperines, carbohydrate, protein, fat, high concentrations of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the dried seed extract of the Piper nigrum, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the dried seed extract of the Piper nigrum may be an aqueous ethanolic, methanolic extracts with concentrations in a range from 10 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) to 100 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the dried seed extract of the Piper nigrum.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rhizome extract of the Zingiber officinale may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, carbohydrates (50–70%), lipids (3–8%), terpenes, and phenolic compounds, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the rhizome extract of the Zingiber officinale, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the rhizome extract of the Zingiber officinale may be a methanol, ethanol, or aqueous extract with concentrations in a range from 100 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) to 500 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the rhizome extract of the Zingiber officinale.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the root extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra may belong to a bioactive family compound such as, but not limited to, triterpenoid saponin, flavonoids, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any bioactive family compound of the root extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the root extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra may be an aqueous, methanol extract with concentrations in a range from 100 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) to 300 milligram/kilograms (mg/kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any concentration and extraction of the root extract of the Glycyrrhiza glabra.
[0051] FIG. 1C illustrates the millets 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the millets 104 may be procured from a second source. According to embodiments of the present invention, the second source for procurement of the millets 104 may be, but not limited to, a retail market, a harvested garden, a laboratory, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any second source for the procurement of the millets 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] According to embodiments of the present invention, the procured millets 104 may be in a form of such as, but not limited to, a powder, a slushie, a solution, an intact, a tablet, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the procured millets 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, the millets 104 may be, but not limited to, a little millet (panicum sumatrense), a finger millet (eleusine coracana), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any millets 104 that may be procured, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the millets 104 may provide nutritional benefits such as, but not limited to, fiber content, calcium content, micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as antioxidants, with relatively low glycemic index, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any nutritional benefits that may be provided by the millets 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the millets 104 may further comprise bulking agents. The bulking agents may provide a mass and a shape to the edible snack bar 100.
[0054] FIG. 1D illustrates the Bacillus coagulants 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Bacillus coagulants 106 may be procured from a third source. According to embodiments of the present invention, the third source for procurement of the Bacillus coagulants 106 may be, but not limited to, a retail market, a harvest culture, a laboratory, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any third source for procurement of the Bacillus coagulants 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0055] According to embodiments of the present invention, the procured Bacillus coagulants 106 may be in a form of such as, but not limited to, a powder, a slushie, a solution, an intact, a tablet, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the procured Bacillus coagulants 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Bacillus coagulants 106 may form endospores in the edible snack bar 100 that are resistant to high temperatures, and humidity. The endospores in the edible snack bar 100 formed by the Bacillus coagulants 106 may remain dormant until they reach a favorable environment, such as the gastrointestinal tract, where they can germinate and become metabolically active, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Bacillus coagulants 106 may be adapted to ensure that strong or bitter flavors of the herbs 102 are effectively masked. The addition of the Bacillus coagulants 106 in the edible snack bar 100 may result in a tasteful flavor of the edible snack bar 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] According to embodiments of the present invention, the Bacillus coagulants 106 may, but not limited to, a Weizmannia coagulans, a Lactobacillus sporogenes, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Bacillus coagulants 106 may be a Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 5856 with a concentration of at least 2 × 109 Colony Forming Units/day (CFU) per serving of the edible snack bar 100. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any Bacillus coagulants 106, with any serving concentration, that may be procured, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0059] FIG. 1E illustrates the gum arabica 108, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the gum arabica 108 may be procured from a fourth source. The gum arabica 108 may be a binding agent. The binding properties of the gum arabica 108 may cohesively integrate the herbs 102, the millets 104, and the Bacillus coagulants 106 in the edible snack bar 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the fourth source for procurement of the gum arabica 108 may be, but not limited to, a retail market, a harvested garden, a laboratory, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any fourth source for procurement of the gum arabica 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0060] According to embodiments of the present invention, the procured gum arabica 108 may be in a form of such as, but not limited to, a powder, a slushie, a solution, an intact, a tablet, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the procured gum arabica 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0061] According to embodiments of the present invention, the gum arabica 108 may, but not limited to, a gum Sudani, a gum Senegal, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any gum arabica 108 that may be procured, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, a flavor may be imparted to the edible snack bar 100. The flavor in the edible snack bar 100 may be achieved using natural masking agents such as sweetness from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), aroma from Zingiber officinale (ginger), spice from Piper nigrum (black pepper), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any natural masking agents for achieving the flavor in the edible snack bar 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0063] FIG. 2A illustrates an extractor 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the extractor 200 may be adapted to extract prebiotics from the herbs 102. The extractor 200 may carry out a process of a hydroethanolic extraction. The hydroethanolic extraction may be carried out at a ratio of 70% water: 30% ethanol at controlled temperatures below boiling point. The hydroethanolic extraction may be carried out at a temperature a little lower to respective boiling points. The hydroethanolic extraction may be carried out for 15 minutes to avoid charring of the secondary metabolites with intermittent cooling and heating.
[0064] Further, the hydroethanolic extraction may utilize microwave irradiations, ultrasonic irradiations, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the irradiations that may be utilized in the hydroethanolic extraction, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0065] FIG. 2B illustrates a dryer 202, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dryer 202 may be adapted to dry the prebiotics extracted by the extractor 200. The dryer 202 may carry out a process of freeze drying (hereinafter interchangeably used as ‘lyophilization’) for drying the prebiotics extracted by the extractor 200. The freeze drying of the prebiotics may be carried out at temperatures ranging from -40 degree Celsius (°C) to -50 degree Celsius (°C) followed by a drying under vacuum conditions at under temperatures ranging -20 degree Celsius (°C) to 0 degree Celsius (°C).
[0066] According to embodiments of the present invention, the dryer 202 may be of any configuration such as, but not limited to, a steam dryer, a sun dryer, an air dryer, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the dryer, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0067] FIG. 2C illustrates a mixer 204, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixer 204 may be adapted to mix the freeze dried prebiotics, from the dryer 202, with the Bacillus coagulants 106. Upon mixing the freeze dried prebiotics and the Bacillus coagulants 106, a symbiotic mixture may be formulated. The mixer 204 may further be adapted to mix the millets 104, by a first weight by weight percentage (w/w%), and the gum arabica 108, by a second weight by weight percentage (w/w%), in the formulated symbiotic mixture to obtain a final mixture, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] According to embodiments of the present invention, the mixer 204 may be, but not limited to, a centrifugal mixer, a rotary mixer, a gravitational mixer, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the mixer 204, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0069] FIG. 2D illustrates a mold 206, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mold 206 may be adapted to receive the final mixture. The mold 206 may allow the final mixture to settle down. The mold 206 may provide a definite shape to the final mixture and may lead to a creation of the bar of the edible snack bar 100. Further, to accelerate molding and settling of the final mixture in the mold 206, the mold 206 may be exposed to low temperatures, revolving around a freezing point, for quick settling down of the final mixture, and hence producing the bar of the edible snack bar 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the mold 206 may be of any shape such as, but not limited to, a cuboidal shape, a cubical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical shape, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the mold 206, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0070] Furthermore, after the production of the bar of the edible snack bar 100, a process of packaging may be carried out. The bar of the edible snack bar 100 may packed be in a low-moisture packaging to achieve a shelf life in a range from 1 day to 180 days. The low-moisture packaging may induce stability and may prevent modulation of factors such as, but not limited to, light, pH, temperature, moisture, humidity, microbial contamination, storage conditions, drug-drug interaction, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any factors that may be modulated by the low- moisture packaging, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the low-moisture packaging may involve packers such as, but not limited to, a wrapper, a cellophane, a carton box, a plastic box, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover packers involved in the low-moisture packaging, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0071] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for preparation of the edible snack bar 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] At step 302, the herbs 102 may be procured from the first source and the millets 104 may be procured from the second source.
[0073] At step 304, prebiotics may be extracted from the herbs 102 using the hydroethanolic extraction.
[0074] At step 306, the extracted prebiotics may be freeze-dried.
[0075] At step 308, the symbiotic mixture may be formulated by combining the freeze-dried prebiotics with Bacillus coagulants 106.
[0076] At step 310, the millets 104 and the gum arabica 108 may be added to the formulated symbiotic mixture to obtain the final mixture.
[0077] At step 312, the final mixture may be molded and allowed to settle down in the mold 206 to obtain the edible snack bar 100.
[0078] At step 314, the obtained edible snack bar 100 may be packed in the low-moisture packaging to achieve the shelf life in the range from 1 day to 180 days.
[0079] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A method (300) for preparation of an edible snack bar (100) for promoting a healthy lifestyle, the method (300) is characterized by the steps of:
procuring herbs (102) from a first source and millets (104) from a second source;
extracting prebiotics from the herbs (102) using hydroethanolic extraction utilizing a microwave irradiations, an ultrasonic irradiations, or a combination thereof;
freeze-drying the extracted prebiotics;
formulating a symbiotic mixture by combining the freeze-dried prebiotics with Bacillus coagulants (106), wherein the Bacillus coagulants (106) are Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 5856;
adding the millets (104), by a first weight by weight percentage (w/w%), and gum arabica (108) as a binding agent, in a second weight by weight percentage (w/w%), in the formulated symbiotic mixture to obtain a final mixture; and
molding and allowing a settling down of the final mixture in a mold (206).
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a step of packing the edible snack bar (100) in a low-moisture packaging to achieve a shelf life in a range from 1 day to 180 days.
3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edible snack bar (100) is molded, using the mold (206), in a bar shape.
4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the herbs (102) are selected from a Withania somnifera root extract, a Bacopa monnieri leaf and stem extract, a Centella asiatica leaf extract, an Emblica officinalis fruit extract, a Curcuma longa rhizome extract, a Piper nigrum dried seed extract, a Zingiber officinale rhizome extract, a Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, or a combination thereof.
5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Bacillus coagulants (106) are Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 5856 is in a concentration of at least 2 × 109 Colony Forming Units/day (CFU) per serving of the edible snack bar (100).
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydroethanolic extraction is carried out at a ratio of 70% water: 30% ethanol at controlled temperatures below boiling point.
7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the freeze drying is carried out at temperatures ranging from -40 degree Celsius (°C) to -50 degree Celsius (°C) followed by a drying under vacuum conditions at temperatures ranging -20 degree Celsius (°C) to 0 degree Celsius (°C).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the millets (104) are selected from a Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense), a Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana), or a combination thereof.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flavor of the edible snack bar (100) is achieved using natural masking agents selected from sweetness from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), aroma from Zingiber officinale (ginger), spice from Piper nigrum (black pepper), or a combination thereof.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the millets (104) comprise bulking agents adapted to provide a mass and a shape to the edible snack bar (100).
Date: December 05, 2024
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant