Bacteria: one-celled, microscopic organisms that grow and multiply everywhere on Earth. They can be either useful or harmful to animals... more
Culture: a growing “soup” of microscopic organisms and the nutrients they need to survive.
Microbe: a living thing so tiny that you would need a microscope to see it... more
Probiotic: food or another substance that helps to replenish or replace microorganisms in specific parts of the body.
Vitamin: molecules found in the cells of living things that are needed for growth. They come from the food you eat, and cannot be made in the body... more
Yogurt to the rescue!
Has a doctor ever suggested that you "Eat some yogurt!" when you’re sick and taking antibiotics? It’s a smart thing to do. Yogurt is chock-full of protein, vitamins, and calcium. It’s also a superb source of good, helpful bacteria. Another word for these good bacteria is probiotics.
The good bacteria found in yogurt are known as live cultures. That means they are still alive when you eat them. Yogurt usually contains a few different kinds of microbes. It’s made under controlled conditions to allow only the good bacteria to grow. Letting in bad bacteria might spoil the food and make it taste bad, or even make you sick. The reason to eat probiotics after being treated with antibiotics is simple. You recharge your digestive system with a new batch of good bacteria.
Additional images from Wikimedia via Oxytousc (yogurt).
Dr. Biology. (2014, July 08). Yogurt and Probiotics. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved November 20, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics
Dr. Biology. "Yogurt and Probiotics". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 July, 2014. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics
Dr. Biology. "Yogurt and Probiotics". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 Jul 2014. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 20 Nov 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics
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