Why is Lactobacillus Important for Our Health?
There are myriads of organisms present in the microbial world. These organisms are invisible to our naked eye. Many of them are harmful to our physiology, a significant percentage of them have no effect on us, and the rest are quite useful. One such genus of bacteria is lactobacillus. This type of bacteria can be found in our food and is not harmful to our system. In this section, we will elaborately study this genus of bacteria, its biological features, and functions. Keep reading to find its shape, meaning, and definition.
What is Lactobacillus?
As per the definition, any group of genus bacteria that has a rod-shaped body with a non-spore-forming feature and is gram-positive in nature is called lactobacillus bacteria. This genus of bacteria can convert glucose into lactic acid as a by-product of its metabolism. You can find the presence of this bacterium in wide sources such as animal feeds, manure, silage, milk, milk products, etc.
The name ‘lactobacillus’ is given as it produces lactic acid during the fermentation process of carbohydrates. It also has a rod-shaped which is why it is termed as bacillus. It is one of the friendly bacteria that are present in human physiology and help in digestion. Now that you have learned the lactobacillus meaning, let us proceed to the part where it is used commercially.
Importance of Lactobacillus for Us
Lactobacillus is one of the friendly microbes present in the human guts and the oral cavity. This naturally-occurring bacterium lives in harmony with humans and other animals maintaining a symbiotic relationship. It is very important for maintaining our hut health. It is present in our large intestine and in the vagina of women.
The prime function of this genus of bacteria is to breakdown fiber and help in digesting complex carbohydrates. In fact, it also helps in the breakdown of complex food particles to form simpler units for easy absorption and assimilation in the different parts of organ systems in our body.
It also helps to preserve gut health by balancing the flora and fauna of the digestive system. An imbalanced presence (less or more) of lactobacillus bacteria can ruin the digestive and gut health leading to infections. This balance can be restored simply by using medications for the remedy of other diseases and by the consumption of probiotics. It also helps in maintaining the proper colonization of other bacteria present in the human digestive system. It also means that this genus of bacteria also helps in warding off other harmful bacteria trying to invade and colonize the digestive system as parasites.
How is Lactobacillus used Commercially?
The lactobacillus meaning suggests that rod-shaped gram-positive bacteria are found to produce lactic acid from breaking down carbohydrates. This bacterium is also present in the human guts as a friendly symbiotic organism. Over the years, exceptional methods have been found in the food industry.
It is used as a prime constituent of the probiotic formulation popularly consumed to restore the balance of gut flora and fauna. You will find the lactobacilli information mentioned in the formulation of probiotics for all kinds of patients. Apart from the medicinal purposes, you will find myriads of uses of this bacterium in the food processing industry.
As the lactobacillus definition suggests, this genus of bacteria can be commonly found in dairy products. It can also be found in pickles, cheese, yogurt, etc. This naturally-occurring bacterium is part of the natural biome of different foods, preparations, and medicines.
Benefits of Lactobacillus for Human Beings
Huge research is being done across the world to find the best uses and functions of lactobacillus. Now that you have learned what is lactobacillus bacteria, you can easily figure out how it can help and benefit human health.
1. Reduction of Cholesterol
Immense research suggests that this bacterium can be extremely helpful in reducing the levels of cholesterols naturally. The research data also suggests that consuming probiotics and food containing this bacterium can help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and maintaining a proper cholesterol balance. More data is needed to prove this.
2. Maintaining Gut Health
It is witnessed that a sudden change in location for a considerable amount of time causes abdominal discomfort. It means that the gut flora and fauna are going through a transformation. In some cases, gastric ailments also disrupt this balance. Lactobacillus is used to restore such balance and maintain gut health. It has also been found that this bacterium helps in digesting complex carbohydrates and adds more fiber to your bowel movement. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other ailments get cured faster.
3. Preventing infection in Private Parts
Apart from the large intestine and oral cavity, this bacterium is also found in the vagina. Vaginal infection is a common problem that causes utter discomfort and a miss balanced lifestyle. Lactobacillus can help to cure the vaginal infection by maintaining the biome and restoring balance. Vulvovaginal candidiasis and vaginosis can be cured.
4. Proper BMI Maintenance
Maintaining proper BMI by losing weight can be promoted by using this bacterium. It maintains proper bowel movement and helps in digesting food. This means your appetite and gut health will remain perfect. This significantly helps in losing weight and maintaining good digestive health.
FAQs on Lactobacillus
1. What are the key characteristics of Lactobacillus bacteria?
Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria known for several key characteristics. They are gram-positive, meaning they have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall. Morphologically, they are rod-shaped (bacillus) and are non-spore-forming. They are facultative anaerobes or microaerophilic, capable of thriving in low-oxygen environments, and are primarily known for their role in fermentation, especially converting sugars like lactose into lactic acid.
2. How does Lactobacillus convert milk into curd?
Lactobacillus, often referred to as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), converts milk into curd through fermentation. A small amount of curd is added to milk as a starter or inoculum, which contains millions of LAB. These bacteria multiply and metabolise the milk sugar, lactose, converting it into lactic acid. This acid lowers the pH of the milk, causing the milk protein, casein, to coagulate and partially digest, resulting in the thick texture of curd. This process also improves its nutritional quality by increasing Vitamin B12.
3. What is the role of Lactobacillus in maintaining human gut health?
Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. As a beneficial bacterium, it helps in several ways:
It prevents the growth of harmful, disease-causing microbes by competing for nutrients and producing antimicrobial substances.
It aids in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
It contributes to the synthesis of certain vitamins, such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K.
It helps strengthen the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
4. What are the main commercial uses of Lactobacillus bacteria?
Lactobacillus is used extensively in various industries due to its fermentation capabilities. Its main commercial applications include:
Dairy Industry: For the production of curd, yoghurt, cheese, and buttermilk.
Food Production: Used in fermenting vegetables for making pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi. It is also a key component in making sourdough bread.
Pharmaceuticals: It is a primary ingredient in probiotics, which are supplements designed to restore and maintain healthy gut flora.
5. Why is Lactobacillus considered a probiotic?
Lactobacillus is considered a probiotic because it fits the definition of live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. It provides these benefits by improving the balance of the gut microbiome. By colonising the intestine, it helps to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, enhances the body's immune response, and improves digestion, thereby actively promoting overall gut health.
6. How does the function of Lactobacillus in cheese-making differ from curd-making?
While both processes involve fermentation, the role of Lactobacillus and other microbes differs. In curd-making, Lactobacillus is primarily used to sour the milk and coagulate protein to form a simple, fresh product. In cheese-making, specific strains of Lactobacillus (along with other bacteria and sometimes fungi) are used not only for initial coagulation but also for the subsequent ripening process. This ripening stage is crucial as it develops the characteristic flavour, texture, and aroma of different cheese varieties, which can take weeks, months, or even years.
7. Can Lactobacillus ever be harmful to humans?
For the vast majority of people, Lactobacillus is not only safe but highly beneficial. It is a natural part of the human microbiome. However, in extremely rare circumstances, particularly in individuals who are severely immunocompromised (e.g., those with critical illnesses or certain genetic disorders), some species of Lactobacillus can act as opportunistic pathogens and may cause infections. For the general healthy population, its consumption in foods like curd and yoghurt is considered completely safe and healthy.
