Most people hear the word bacteria and cringe. It may be surprising to know that thousands of kinds of bacteria can be good for you and our lives actually depend on bacteria. As long as food is handled and stored properly there should be no issues with the food, and bacteria actually gives it its taste and texture. Bacteria also help your body to digest food that would otherwise be indigestible.

When we eat food, enzymes from our intestines, stomach, pancreas, and liver break down carbohydrates into sugars, protein into amino acids, and fat into glycerol. Many plant foods contain indigestible starches which cannot be broken down so they cannot be absorbed in the upper intestinal tract. Once they reach the colon the bacteria work to ferment the starches to another form such as fatty acids which protect your intestines. This protects the body from irritation, cancer, and can lower cholesterol as well as prevent heart attacks. Intestinal bacteria make up around 95% of the cells in the human body and we are absolutely dependant on them for normal functioning. Good bacteria fend off bad bacteria and prevent diseases. The bacteria in our bodies also help us to absorb minerals and manufacture B vitamins and amino acids. Humans also use good bacteria such as lactobacillus to preserve milk and plant products. Many yogurt companies are now promoting probiotics which are essentially “good” bacteria which live in our intestinal tracts. These yogurts contain high amounts of the good bacteria which is said to support a healthy immune system and aid in proper digestion.

Current research into good bacteria and probiotics will have us seeing more foods enriched with good bacteria. As we find out more how bacteria can aid in normal body functions we will likely become less scared of bacteria and recognize that bacteria is normal, healthy and can even promote good health.