Probiotics are microorganisms that offer some form of health benefit to the host – they can be found in various different foods. Probiotics are believed to play very important roles in regulating proper intestinal function and digestion
Probiotics are the good bacteria that promote healthy digestion and build immunity. Two of the most common strains of probiotics are lactobacilli and bifido bacteria.
Probiotics –: Healthy bacteria
Probiotic food is food that contains live bacteria that are extremely beneficial and not harmful to humans. The first example of probiotic food was the introduction of acidophilus to milk, which converted it to curd. This helped people who had difficulty digesting milk, tolerate it better.
Most probiotic food is fermented, at least partially. Many people add probiotic bacteria to their food or take them in capsule form. However, they are easily available in the form of yogurt [curd].
You might have not realised it but your stomach is a storehouse of probiotic bacteria. Just by eating curd occasionally, you would have consumed a billion bacteria till date.
Yogurt is a living food, produced by the action of friendly bacteria on the sugars in milk [or lactose] that turns them into lactic acid; it is often the cause of food intolerance to dairy products.
However, when milk becomes yogurt, it is much easier to digest. The bacteria living in yogurt are highly beneficial for overall health.
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Health benefits of probiotics
Diarrhea
Probiotics are “useful in the prevention or treatment of several gastrointestinal disorders”, such as infectious diarrhea, antibiotic diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea.
Cholesterol
Probiotics can reduce cholesterol esters and in particular reduce the cholesterol esters associated with ‘bad’ saturated fatty acids in the blood.
Blood pressure
Some studies have found that milk fermented with strains of LAB may help lower blood pressure.
Infection
A study published in the prestigious scientific journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), found that probiotic bacteria can protect against bacterial infection.
Health Benefits of probiotic food
Probiotic foods maintain a low pH level thereby reducing the risk of harmful bacteria invading the body.
Bacteria in probiotic food support digestive function and are beneficial for intestinal health.
Eating live food regularly is the most effective way to restore the balance of intestinal bacteria called “flora”.
Highly beneficial for people suffering from yeast infections such as Candida
Prevents diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and other bowel problems.
Fight-off unfriendly bacteria that cause food poisoning and travellers’ tummy bugs.
Supports the immune system to battle infection.
Protects the urinary tract from infection.
Helps to heal peptic ulcers.
Help our body to face stress, high blood pressure and help lower cholesterol levels.
Reduction in eczema.
Reduction in mental illness.
Reduces childhood allergies and asthma.
Source of information:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
