Usually when we think of bacteria, we associate them with diseases and things that are harmful to our body. But the truth is that there are bacteria that are really beneficial to our health, among these are prebiotics. However, many people wonder what benefits bacteria bring to our body. That is why in this article we will answer what they are, how they benefit us, and how we can consume prebiotics.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics can be defined as indigestible organisms that some foods contain. We consume these organisms daily in a natural way or artificially integrated by the manufacturer of each product, they are made up of carbohydrates. The most common and generally studied prebiotics are fructooligosaccharides or FOS and inulin.
These compounds cause a physiological effect in the intestines by producing a stimulus and activating the cells of the intestinal bacterial flora. Since they are not digestible, they go on to ferment at the gastrointestinal level and the bacteria that benefit us feed on them.
Benefits of Prebiotics
They provide great benefits to our body, the main one being the reestablishment of the bacterial flora that influences the arrest of the continuous development of potentially dangerous pathogens. Other benefits obtained from prebiotics are:
· Boost the immune system.
· Facilitate the absorption of minerals.
· Favor the processing of vitamins.
· Maintain intestinal balance by reducing digestive discomfort.
· Reduce constipation.
· Avoid the appearance of diseases such as colon cancer and intestinal inflammation problems.
Always keep in mind these great benefits that prebiotics provide for your health, in this way you will strive to consume them daily and you will be able to make this a habit, which will result in a healthy life.
Difference between probiotic and prebiotic
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are responsible for protecting us and helping our bacterial flora to reproduce again to maintain a good level of beneficial bacterial organisms for the intestine.
On the other hand, prebiotics are organisms that cannot be digested but that contribute to the growth and development of probiotics and the other good bacteria that live in the intestine. Therein lies their difference, prebiotics serve as food for probiotics, and in turn these make up the good intestinal flora.
How to consume them?
You may wonder, how can these Prebiotics be consumed? And the answer is simple. The greatest source of prebiotics that we can get is found in yogurt and other fermented milk products such as whey, since fermentation requires the use of prebiotics and probiotics to carry out its process.
We can also find prebiotics in foods such as:
· Bananas
· Asparagus.
· Onion.
· Tomatoes.
· Garlic.
· Whole-grain foods.
· Artichokes
· Leek
These, among other foods that contain these organisms are considered good for the recovery of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
You can add these foods to your diet in a simple way, such as taking or eating a yogurt with or without fruit for breakfast and a snack. You can have some serums or other fermented dairy products with your dinner or lunch. They are also present in whole foods which will not only help you consume prebiotics but also fiber which is excellent.
Cook your food using vegetables or vegetables such as onions, leeks, among others, you can make various dishes such as soups, salads, rice among many more combinations; it just takes a little imagination in the kitchen. Importantly, one of the best times of the day to consume prebiotics is at breakfast.
Importance of consuming prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are of great importance for your health, because thanks to these bacteria your intestine can maintain a good and healthy bacterial flora. But how can bacterial flora help us? Well, thanks to it, the nutrients necessary to maintain good health in our body can be better processed and absorbed, and eliminate other wastes that are not of benefit to us.
Maintaining healthy intestinal bacterial flora is essential to avoid harmful pathogens that cause disease and infection. That is why the consumption of prebiotics is important.
It is also important to maintain a good quality of life, exercising, eating well and having a balanced diet, also avoiding excess fat consumption and consuming more foods high in fiber. This will improve our health considerably, not only at the intestinal level but in general, and will make our body and mind feel much better throughout our lives.
Studies Supporting Prebiotics
In recent years, several studies have been carried out in the area of medicine concerning prebiotics and probiotics that have given satisfactory results as they are beneficial for health and help in the prevention of intestinal diseases and diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
Other studies have been applied in the fields of diseases such as cirrhosis or liver diseases, taking small groups of people with any of these diseases. The truth is that the tests resulted in some improvements in the health status of the patients.
Scientists say that much more is needed to discover and many more studies to be done on these organisms, to decipher what other possible favorable uses can be given to prebiotics.
As previously analyzed, we can conclude that prebiotics are necessary and essential bacteria for the good health of our body. Don't be afraid to ingest these important organisms, rather think of the abundant benefits you will receive from consuming them.
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