Probiotics and prebiotics, do you know the difference?
That said, two of the most repeated words on the expert’s list and in any conversation about a pro-microbiota diet are probiotics and prebiotics. probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are foods that have live microorganisms, live bacteria and yeasts that, when consumed in adequate amounts, benefit intestinal health by “repopulating the microbiota”, and as we have seen are present in fermented foods such as natural or Greek yogurt, kefir or fermented milk, as well as in fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, kimchi or pickles, and in some cheeses.
There are also prebiotics, food for the microorganisms already present in the intestine, which do not contain live bacteria but do favour their growth and activity, and which are found in legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. “We should consume probiotic and prebiotic foods on a daily basis as a continuous compensatory maintenance habit in the face of stress, lack of sleep, pesticides and ultra-processed foods, among many other factors that generate constant and almost inevitable damage on the intestinal microbiota,” concludes Parada. After all, our well-being begins on our plate.
This article was originally published on Vogue Spain.