Probiotic and prebiotic foods: differences
We find them on the shelves of supermarkets, and also in many shops of dietetics, organic and herbalists. We talk so much about the probiotic foods as of the prebiotic foods, about which surely in many moments you have heard.
Both have one feature in common: they are Functional Foods, which means that in addition to its virtues and nutritional qualities, they provide interesting benefits and properties, making them especially recommended in a balanced diet and to enjoy good health.
However, the particularities of each group are different, so that both their properties and their qualities are equally diverse. Therefore, it is always useful and appropriate to know their basic differences.
Probiotic foods
They are foods that confer and contribute to the organism different living microorganisms, which exert positive effects on health, particularly on the intestinal flora and stimulate the development of beneficial bacteria.
In addition, they help stimulate the defenses of our body by enhancing our immune system, maintaining an adequate balance of the intestinal bacterial flora.
We can find them in yogurts and other fermented dairy products, and the most common and known are the bifidus or the lactobacillus acidofilus.
Prebiotic foods
They are non-digestible compounds from our digestive system, but they help to improve our health by stimulating, in the colon, the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria beneficial to our intestinal flora.
We can find them naturally in foods such as bananas, tomatoes, leeks, onions, asparagus and garlic, as well as dairy products, beverages and cookies. The most common are inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides, oligo-fructose and lactulose.
Image | litlnemo This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
