Heart Disease
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9.22 Probiotics increase secretion of immunoglobulin, a disease-fighting immune enzyme found in the intestines which boosts and stabilises the role of the immune system. Friendly bacteria in probiotics have been associated with anti-carcinogenic effects. It has been demonstrated that probiotics inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. Their effect on the digestion and facilitation of bowel movements also lowers the risk of colon cancer by reducing the time the intestines are exposed to carcinogenic substances in food. Chapaties made with fermented whole wheat dough contain a compound called MPG which may slow or even stop the growth of cancer.
9.23 In addition to anti-carcinogenic effects of probiotics, they have been known to protect from intestinal tract infections like candida and helicobacter pylori (the bacteria which is linked to peptic ulcers) and other gastrointestinal problems like colitis, inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics help in cardiovascular health by lowering triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing inflammation. They give protection from autoimmune diseases, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and are good for skin and hair.
9.24 Probiotics improve digestion, reduce bloating and flatulence, help maintain alkaline/acidic balance, reduce lactose intolerance, improve resistance to infection, accelerate recovery from acute diarrhoea, reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and regulate side effects of antibiotic therapy.
Fibre (Roughage) for Good Health
9.25 Dietary fibre, also called roughage, is found in most “whole” plant foods such as grains, pulses, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and refined food products do not have any fibre. Fibre, which does not provide energy (calories), is made up of the indigestible parts of the substances, usually present in the cell walls that give plants their structure and form, which pass almost unchanged through the stomach and intestines.
9.26 Types of Fibre – Fibre is actually made up of six different types which are divided broadly into two types: soluble and insoluble, and we need to eat both as part of our daily diets, but for different reasons. Most plant foods contain a mixture of both types: –
(i) Soluble Fibre – Soluble fibre, found mainly in plant cells, includes pectins, gums and mucilage. Soluble fibre dissolves easily in water and becomes a soft gel in your intestines. It sops cholesterol and guards against heart and gall bladder diseases and constipation. Good sources of soluble fibre include fruits (apples, guavas, grapes, bananas, apricots, plums, berries, oranges, peaches), vegetables (cabbage, leafy greens carrots, okra/lady finger, green beans), oats, rye, barley, seed husks, flaxseed (alsi), dried beans, lentils, peas, fenugreek (methi), soya milk and soya products.
(ii) Insoluble Fibre – Insoluble fibre made up of structural part of plant cell walls includes cellulose, hemi-cellular and lignin. Insoluble fibre, as the name implies, remains unchanged, fills you up and it speeds the transit of food through the digestive system to elimination. Thus it guards against diseases of the digestive and waste tract,
