You may have not heard about the probiotics and prebiotics before, but you probably have already eaten them. They are considered food with functional properties. In other words, it is basically foods that are beneficent for the organism.Probiotics are living microorganism, that when linked with food, contributes to balance the intestinal microflora, it is the good bacteria that helps to eliminate the toxins and impurities and keep the nutrients and vitamins in the body.It can be found in fermented milk and yoghurt and can be found in capsules or powder form too. These bacteria belong to the Lactobacilus and Bifidobacterium gender.
Many studies suggests that probiotics have benefits in the immune system, relief of constipation, better absorption of the nutrients, relief the symptoms of lactose intolerance and decreases bad cholesterol. But its main job is to regulate the intestinal transit and protect it from possible infections.
Prebiotics are the non- digestible carbohydrates such as soluble fibres, which resist the digestive process, getting in the intestine intact, where stimulates the growth of the good bacteria that composes our intestine.
It helps to balance the intestinal microflora, stimulates intestinal flow, contributes to normal consistency of the faeces (avoiding constipation or diarrhoea), improving lactose intolerance and help to decrease the excess of cholesterol and glucose.
List of Prebiotic food:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Banana
- Oats
- Brewer Yeast
- Beer
- Inulin (chicory root, aspargus, wheat and onion)
Probiotics and Prebiotics are very important to those who like to do exercise, especially athletes. These group of people are more exposed to alterations in the intestinal microflora due to the high intake of food and drinks with artificial flavor such as 'gatorade', 'powerade' and others.
Alterations in the intestinal microflora result in the destruction of vitamins, enzymes inactivation, production of toxins and decreasing nutrient absorption.
Consult a health care professional to obtain the right daily dose of these foods.
I think this article is a bit misleading. The glucose, sodium and artificial flavors present in these beverages don't necessarily promote the killing of intestinal microflora. I wouldn't pinpoint the alterations in intestinal microflora to a single beverage. Also, I am not promoting these beverages but they were designed with a specific purpose, which is to hydrate endurance athletes due to electrolyte losses during competition. Also, honey is not a prebiotic as it does not contain fibers of any kind. Is there any scientific background to the link between athletes and the beverages mentioned above? I would like to know more about it if it has been indeed studied. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell being by Julia Hi Andrea, our body produces a molecule inside every cell called glutathione, this molecule is the most powerful antioxidant produced within the body. To optimize this molecule is necessary to feed it well with a healthy diet. However this molecule is destroyed by foods with artificial flavours, additives and preservatives, which are clear in the ingredients of these beverages. By destroying glutathione, the whole body will be affected, including the good bacteria of the gut. That's where probiotics take place. You are right about the honey, it is not a prebiotic, some honeys such as Manuka Honey are Probiotics. I will fix that! Thank you for the feedback
ReplyDeleteMy day after the master cleanse spices. I had one yesterday too but never had time to take a photo. I almost forgot the photo on this one too.
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