Lactic acid bacteria that are in the following healthy foods

When you think of foods that contain bacteria, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably an upset stomach. Eits! Wait a minute. Not all bacteria are bad, you know. Lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, are a type of good bacteria found in many healthy foods and drinks. What does it do, and what are the benefits of lactic acid bacteria for health?

What are lactic acid bacteria?

Lactic acid bacteria are a group of bacteria capable of converting carbohydrates (glucose) into lactic acid. Some lactic acid bacteria have the potential to have a positive impact on human health and nutrition, some of which are increasing the nutritional value of food, preventing infection in the intestine, improving lactose digestion, preventing several types of cancer (especially colon and stomach cancer), and controlling blood cholesterol levels. .

Our bodies are actually able to produce lactic acid on their own. Well, lactic acid functions to convert carbohydrates into energy when oxygen levels in the blood are low. Meanwhile, lactic acid in food is generally used as a way to prolong the life of food and as a good nutrient for the human intestine.

Foods and drinks that contain lactic acid bacteria

1. Yogurt

Certain bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus, naturally produce lactic acid. Well, one of the famous drinks made from lactic acid bacteria is yogurt. Yogurt is made by adding a mixture of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus to milk.

These bacteria produce lactic acid during the fermentation process with lactose in milk. Lactose is the sugar found in milk, while the lactic acid that is present can lower the pH level of fermented milk. Where this can cause the protein in fermented milk to thicken and give milk yogurt a sour taste.

2. Pickled vegetables and kimchi

Pickled vegetables are generally made from cucumbers and carrots mixed with tamarind and salt. These pickled vegetables are basically also made from lactic acid. Lactic acid plays a key role in the fermentation process which results in a distinct sour taste in pickles or kimchi.

The reason is, lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, convert carbohydrates into lactic acid without the need for oxygen. Also note that the acidic fermentation process in kimchi or pickled vegetables is made by covering the food in an airtight container for some time. So, the sour taste arises because of the lactic acid bacteria that grows naturally during fermentation of food.

3. Cheese

The cheese you usually eat is one of those dairy products that contains lactic acid bacteria in it. Several types of bacteria in it include thermophillus, bifudus, bulgaricus, and acidophilus which are useful for boosting the immune system and healthy digestion.

4. Wine

Wine is made from fermented grapes mixed with lactic acid bacteria. After fermenting the sugar content in wine into alcohol, the bacteria convert the grape acid into malic acid and lactic acid. Well, this is what makes the taste of wine in wine unique and can be consumed.

5. Know

Not many people understand that tofu is a food that also contains lactic acid bacteria in it. Together with vitamin B 12, the content of lactic acid type bacteria or probiotics in tofu is good for boosting your immune system. Even the protein content in tofu is higher than the protein from a glass of milk.