Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a product obtained by fermenting cow's milk that has undergone preliminary pasteurization at a temperature not lower than 32-33 degrees Celsius. The fermentation process continues for 10 hours, with the participation of special bacteria that facilitate this process. Acidophilus bacillus is usually used, but other microorganisms (lactic acid streptococcus or kefir fungus) can also be used.
After the completion of the cooking process, a product similar to kefir is obtained, but with a more pungent taste and thick consistency. To improve the taste, sugar and various juices are added to acidophilus.
Useful properties of acidophilus
The benefits of acidophilus are due to the enzymatic breakdown of lactose, which allows the product to be better absorbed in the human digestive tract. By itself, lactose (milk sugar) is not harmful if a person's gastrointestinal tract secretes a sufficient amount of the enzyme lactase, which digests milk sugar. But if the enzyme is not released enough, then symptoms of gastrointestinal upset appear: nausea, bloating, diarrhea and vomiting. The use of acidophilus in reasonable quantities eliminates such situations.
But only this is not limited to the benefits of acidophilus. Acidophilus bacillus, which is the basis of acidophilus ferment, secretes antibiotics that can suppress pathogenic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to the acidophilus bacillus, the intestinal and stomach microflora normalizes, which positively affects the general health and well-being of a person.
In addition, acidophilus contains vitamins C, A and PP, as well as beneficial minerals such as molybdenum, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Acidophilus has a low calorie content, which is about 59 kcal per 100 g of product. This indicator allows you to include acidophilus in the diet of overweight and obese people, when compiling complex diets. It must be remembered that the caloric content of different types of acidophilus can differ significantly. The determining factor is the fat content of the drink. The higher the fat content, the higher the energy value of acidophilus. Calorie details are usually indicated on the package.
According to reviews, acidophilus is great for baby food. The fact is that acidophilus bacillus belongs to the normal intestinal microflora of a child, and the regular use of acidophilus allows you to maintain the required amount of this type of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a growing organism.
Good reviews about acidophilus are noted after prolonged use of antibiotics. Most antibacterial drugs, along with pathogens, destroy the beneficial microflora necessary for the full functioning of the intestine. Fast and effective restoration of normal microflora when using this product in nutrition is very important for a full life and health.
Acidophilus is excellent for feeding residents of large cities, the ecological situation of which leaves much to be desired. Acidophilus, through the normalization of the intestines, affects the formation of immunity and protects a person from various infectious diseases.
The harm of acidophilus
The harm from acidophilus is rare, but it must be remembered that such situations can occur. As a rule, harm from acidophilus manifests itself with its excessive consumption or individual intolerance. Overeating with this product can increase the acidity of gastric contents, which is manifested by heartburn and abdominal discomfort.
If an allergic reaction to acidophilus occurs, then it usually manifests itself in the form of a small-dotted or spotted rash. You should also refrain from the use of acidophilus for people suffering from gastritis with high acidity - this product will increase it even more.
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