Probiotics and prebiotics in food

Riječ "probiotik" dolazi iz grčkog jezika i znači "za život". Probiotici su živi mikroorganizmi koji su pokazali blagotvorne učinke na ljudsko zdravlje. Uloga probiotika je održavanje ravnoteže crijevne mikroflore na način da nastoje smanjiti broj štetnih bakterija, a povećati broj korisnih bakterija. Probiotike nalazimo u mliječnim proizvodima kao što su jogurt i kefir, ali i u nekim mesnim proizvodima (svježe kobasice), fermentiranom voću i povrću (kiseli kupus, krastavci). Prebiotici su uglavnom sastavljeni od oligosaharida i polisaharida, koji su sastavni dio hrane. Prebiotici nadopunjuju prehranu i podržavaju rast probiotika. Prebiotike možemo naći u velikom broju namirnica, npr: luk, poriluk, šparoge, mahunarke, žitarice, mlijeko, soja, itd.The word “probiotic” comes from the Greek language and means “for life”. Probiotics are microorganisms that have shown beneficial effects on human health. The task of probiotics is to maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora, trying to reduce the number of harmful bacteria and increase the number of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are found in dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, but also in some meat products (fresh sausages), fermented fruits and vegetables (sauerkraut, cucumbers). Prebiotics are mainly composed of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, which are an integral part of food. Prebiotics supplement the diet and support the growth of probiotics. Prebiotics can be found in a large number of foods, eg: onions, leeks, asparagus, legumes, cereals, milk, soy, etc