Did you know there are over 400 distinct species of microorganisms inhabit the various regions of the adult human digestive tract, making up nearly two kg of total body weight? Few of these bacteria, such as lactobacilli species and bifidobacteria, are beneficial to our health and are capable of boosting immunity. In recent years, there has been a lot of curiosity and interest in probiotic foods because of their ability to benefit one’s health. The term probiotic means ‘for life’. There are two types of bacteria, good bacteria and bad bacteria. Harmful bacteria are those microorganisms, like yeast, fungi and parasites, that cause diseases. Probiotics are organisms that contribute to the health and balance of the intestine tract and are commonly referred to as the good bacteria.

Clinical dietician Dr Bhavi Mody says, “Probiotics are those living microorganisms that are similar to those naturally found in the gastro-intestinal system. Today, probiotic supplements are also available in the form of tablets and capsules.” Clinical nutritionist Dr Sunita Dube says, “Foods like yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, milk and soy products like tofu, soy milk, etc. contain probiotic organisms and so do fermented foods.” [Read more...]