PROBIOTICS: HOW THEY ARE SO BENEFICIAL

Probiotics are the live bacteria that are good for the overall body health especially your gut and the whole digestive system. When we think of bacteria we usually assume it as something that causes diseases. But your body consists of millions of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are generally called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help to keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in our body. Probiotics give various health benefits such as it allows some people having lactose intolerance to eat yogurt and cultured dairy products, help regulate peristalsis and regular bowel movements, digest protein to free amino acids, increase the number of immune system cells, manufacture essential fatty acids, protect against development of allergic conditions, create lactic acid that balances intestinal pH, break down bacterial toxins and prevent production of bacterial toxins and colitis, have anti-tumor and anti-cancer effect, protect from xenobiotics like mercury, pesticides, radiation and harmful pollutants, break down bile acids, manufacture hydrogen peroxide which has antiseptic effects. Probiotics also plays a role in normalization of serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

Probiotics also enhance immune function. They manufacture antibiotics, such as acidophillin, produced by acidophilus, which are effective against many types of bacteria. Probiotics also help us metabolize foreign substances, like mercury and pesticides, and protect us from damaging radiations and pollutants. Friendly bacteria also help us in various other ways. Thus the probiotics have preferred to be a miraculous functional food.

Some foods that are “Probiotic-friendly”:

Yogurt- Yogurt is linked to a number of health benefits. It is also more suitable than milk for people having lactose intolerance. It is one of the richest sources of probiotic. You can even consume curd; it also acts as a probiotic.

Kefir- Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk drink. It is generally made by adding the kefir grains to either cow’s or goat’s milk.

Tempeh- Tempeh is a fermented product of soya bean. It is a high-protein substitute for non-veg food like chicken and meat. It consists of a decent amount of vitamin B12, a nutrient found mainly in animal products.

Miso- Miso is a fermented soybean paste and also a popular Japanese seasoning. It is rich in various important nutrients and may reduce the risk of cancer and stroke, especially in women.

Cheese- Some types of cheese consists of probiotics, specially cheddar, mozzarella and gouda. Cheese is very healthy and nutritious, and may benefit heart and bone health.