quarta-feira, 4 de setembro de 2013

Can Probiotic Supplements Lower Cholesterol Levels?

Data: 03.09.2013

Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in some food and are known to improve digestion and treat disturbances in the stomach. However, there are reports that probiotic supplements can also help lower the body’s cholesterol, helping minimize any cardiac risks. They are even known for boosting the immune system.

There are some scientists that believe that these “good” bacteria attach themselves to cholesterol found in the lower intestine, which prevents cholesterol from being taken and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Further research, however, has given mixed conclusions, with the positive findings being reported to have been funded by probiotic supplement producers. One randomized study published November of last year had astonishing results. Researchers at the McGill University asked 127 volunteers to participate, with half assigned to take probiotic supplements twice a day for nine straight weeks and the other half took a placebo.

The research proved to be successful as the probiotic group’s total cholesterol levels dropped by a staggering nine percent and their “bad” cholesterol fell by almost 12 percent. The said study was financed by Micropharma, a probiotics firm. MD Foods, also a manufacturer of probiotic products, has made the same claims. There are quite a few studies that, conversely, report that probiotics make no such contribution to lowering cholesterol.

There is no denying that probiotics contribute to better digestion, but its significance in lowering the body’s cholesterol has yet to be proven.

If you’re interested in trying the potency of probiotics and it’s capacity to reduce the amount cholesterol in your body. Here’s a list of probiotic foods you can add to your daily diet:

Yogurt – Choose yogurts that have natural ingredients and contain live and active cultures to get the best health and probiotic benefits.

Kombucha Tea – Also known as fermented tea, kombucha tea can be found in some Asian grocery stores. It helps increase energy and help with digestion.

Miso soup – A staple in Japanese meals, the miso soup is made of vegetable broth and miso. It is low in calories and high in protein and probiotics.

Soy milk – Health-conscious individuals incorporate this probiotic drink in their diet.

Sauerkraut – Not many people know that this German favorite is filled with probiotics, so prepare some for your family on your next meal.

Microalgae – Commonly known as “blue algae,” microalgae is a grassy, green plant and is a popular ingredient used in juices.

Dark chocolate – Chocolate lovers would be delighted to know that dark chocolate contains probiotics and antioxidants that help maintain a healthy stomach.

Pickles – These nutritious vegetables are high in probiotics, so make sure to include them on your next sandwich.

Olives – Olives, particularly those preserved in brine, contain large doses of probiotics. The brine solution makes it possible for the probiotic cultures to proliferate.

Before you start updating your food stock with probiotics, always remember that eating food with probiotics is just one of the many solutions available, with proper diet and regular exercise remaining on top of those lists.

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