Food and Nutrition

Probiotics & Prebiotics Nutrition

Prebiotics are the elements that come mostly from fibres, and indigestible food components that promote the growth of helpful bacteria in our gut and that human can’t digest. They help in improving gastrointestinal health as well as potentially increase calcium absorption. The fruits like bananas, onions, garlic and whole grains naturally contain prebiotics. Prebiotics comprise fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when consumed may give a health benefit to the host. Certain species of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacterium spp. are usually used in the manufacture of probiotic products. Probiotics promote the inherited disorder, reduce lactose intolerance, decrease diarrhoea incidence, management infections, act as antibiotics, suppress tumours, and shield against carcinoma. Foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and naturally contain probiotics. A few probiotics naturally found in foods are Bacillus coagulants and Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics slow the growth of harmful bacteria and facilitate in maintaining the function and strength the barrier provided by intestinal walls.

• Foods rich in prebiotic fibre             
• Foods rich in probiotic fibre                         
• Difference between prebiotics and probiotics                                 
• Health benefits using prebiotics