6 Reasons You Should Start Eating Food Rich in Probiotics
The idea of having food with bacteria in it may sound repelling to many, as bacteria is mostly related to infections and other deadly diseases. But don’t be scared of consuming living bacteria, as the microbes present in the fermented food items like curd and yogurt can actually be beneficial for your health.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics, often called “friendly” bacteria, are living microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract and helps with digestion, metabolism and immunity of our body. There should be a healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria in our body, so that it can function properly. Probiotics are usually found in fermented and cultured dairy products like yogurt, buttermilk and cheese. Other dietary sources of probiotics include soy beverages, tofu, granola bars etc.
Benefits of probiotics:
Besides improving gastrointestinal health, Probiotics also influence other functions in our body and help in preventing and treating a wide variety of of ailments. Here are some remarkable benefits of probiotics:
- Help in weight loss: Some beneficial microbes help in losing weight and belly fat by using up the excess calories in our body and preventing the absorption of dietary fat in intestine. They also help in preventing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- Boost immunity: Eating probiotic-rich foods help in sustaining a healthy intestinal flora. The friendly microbes protect our body from the harmful ones by inhibiting their growth and help in fighting infections. They also maintain a healthy balance of B and T lymphocytes and antibodies within the body.
- Help in improving mental health: studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements helps in treating stress, anxiety and even depression. They help in production of serotonin in our gut, which improves mood.
- Gives you clearer and healthy skin: The healthier is your gut, healthier will be your skin. Unhealthy diet may lead to skin conditions like acne and Probiotics help in fighting the inflammation and also prevent other allergies.
- Keep your heart healthy: Many probiotics help in reducing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in our body and help in maintaining blood pressure. They also help in absorption of Vitamin D and other nutrients, that aid cardiac health.
- Help in maintaining oral health: Probiotics have proven to be beneficial for dental and oral health. They help in fighting the bad breath and oral infections like gingivitis. Also, a study showed that some species of probiotics help in preventing oral cancer.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
English
हिन्दी