The Advocate "Episode1"


      Probiotics


 
The journey to the unseen world, earlier this week, was an interesting and exhilarating tour. Information gathered by the advocate through a lengthy interview granted by the chairman of the Lactic Acid Bacteria- Lactobacillus lactis, was breathtaking, mouth-watering and suspense filled.
Probiotics, which can simply be defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on their host when administered in adequate amount, was extensively discussed by the chairman.  Citing a common example of Ogi (also called pap or akamu), a popular blended and fermented corn grains, he stated their importance in the production of the ogi and the benefit they confer on health of consumers.

 
When he was interrogated on the reasons for their presence in fermented foods, he said,” Before I answer any of your question, Mr. Advocate, I want the human world to have a good understanding of who we are, about our make-up and identity. Many of the human race had labelled us to be deadly, harmful, dangerous, bad, baleful, cruel, fatal, lethal, homicidal, ruthless, injurious, and even destructive (haha.. kilode). Well, little did they know of our positive influence on their daily activities. The reason for our existence is to help human race.”
“Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) majorly present in fermented foods represent a heterogeneous group of micro-organisms that are naturally present in a wide range of ecological niches such as foods and in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tract of animals, including humans. In addition to our important technological properties in food production, we also confer beneficial properties to our host.”
“Some of the benefits include promotion of a normal microbiota, prevention of infectious diseases and food allergies, reduction of serum cholesterol, anti-carcinogenic activity and stabilization of the gut mucosal barrier, immune adjuvant properties and alleviation of intestinal bowel disease symptoms as well as improvement of the digestion of lactose intolerant hosts.”

“ Also, the production of the B-group vitamins which acts in  synergy to maintain the body’s homeostasis by playing major roles in metabolic processes such as energy production and red blood cell formation. The B-group vitamins include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), panthothenic acid (B5), biotin (B7), folate (B11-B9), and cobalamin B12).  This is only a tip of an iceberg in comparison to other massive benefits we give to human.”

Speaking on the importance of Pap, he said,” Because of our composition in pap as well as potassium, Chromium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, which are our by-products, Pap therefore helps to reduce risk of blood pressure, produces energy, replaces lost body fluid and increases breast milk for nursing mothers.”
Sequel to this interview, different complaints and outbreak about food contamination and poisoning was recorded. Complaints on diarrhea, amoebic dysentery, gastroenteritis and abdominal cramps were latest report from health sector and among people. Lactobacillus lactis alongside with Saccharomyces cerevisiae responded to debunk the allegation, saying it was not totally true. Not later than that, a short break was observed.


Stay tuned next week for the other parts of the interview. Thank you for reading.


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