What is Probiotic? What Foods are Probiotics Found In?
The most descriptive answer to the question of what is probiotic is that they are friendly microorganisms associated with the immune system and digestive system. Probiotics are important bacteria that regulate the digestive system of our body and strengthen the general immune system. These bacteria, which are beneficial for human health, have a wide variety of proven benefits.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
When it comes to the benefits of probiotics, one of the first benefits that comes to mind is that it supports the formation and balancing of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. In addition, foods containing probiotics have the ability to prevent diarrhea. Not only nutrients, but also probiotic supplements have great mental benefits. It has the ability to reduce the severity of some allergic reactions and skin diseases such as eczema.
Probiotics, which we see in daily life both in advertisements and on various products, are foods that were recommended by even Greeks and Romans in the past. Probiotics, which are very important for the health of the digestive system, are actually living bacteria and yeasts. The word bacteria may sound negative, but don't worry, probiotics are beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria can be found naturally in our body, or they can be taken into the body with supplements from outside. It is very important to have enough probiotics in the body to regulate the digestive system and to strengthen the general immune system. Especially yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and some types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda contain enough probiotics.
What is Prebiotic? The Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are nutrients that were discovered long time ago. In 1908, Nobel Prize-winning Russian researcher Elie Metchnikoff noticed that Bulgarian peasants lived longer, and as a result of the research, he found out that Bulgarian peasants consumed a lot of yoghurt. Thereupon, he examined the yogurt and discovered the living beneficial bacteria in it.
In addition, it may be necessary to mention prebiotics that support probiotics and allow them to reproduce. Prebiotics create fiber from indigestible carbohydrate types, while probiotics feed on this fiber. Foods containing prebiotics can be listed as follows; vegetables; leek, yam, okra, artichoke, celery, tomato, onion and garlic. Dry beans; beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas. Whole grains; whole wheat, oats, buckwheat, barley and whole wheat rice. Oily seeds; walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and flax seeds. Fruit; olives, bananas, grapes, strawberries and apples.
To summarize, probiotics are bacteria that are of great benefit to the regular and good functioning of the digestive system and they strengthen the general immune system. Although it is found naturally in our bodies, it is beneficial to take supplements from various foods and increase them to sufficient amount.