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Helpful or Harmful

Page history last edited by ryan 1 yr ago

Helpful or Harmful?

Lactobacillus Thermophilus has been, as you learned, discovered and named for almost 90 years. Since then nothing has been discovered about that bacteria that would indicate it to be harmful to humans or the environment. As is shown in the "Studies on Lactobacillus" report, people were consuming large cultures of the bacteria with no physical harm done. It is what is known as a non-pathogenic bacteria. In fact, the only negative thing referenced about the bacteria was that, because of its acidic properties, that it changed the smell and flavor in milk. This was inconvenient but not harmful. It has been known for a time that Lactobacillus bacteria (because of there acidic properties) can be used to ferment certain substances.

Yogurt is the result of Lactobacillus bacteria converting the massive amounts of milk-sugars in a milk substance directly into lactic acid which changes it into yogurt.

Soy sauce is made with cooked beans and roasted wheat, first fermented by fungi. Then it is fermented further using yeast and Lactobacillus bacteria.

Because Lactobacillus Thermophilus is such a non-pathogenic bacteria, it is one of many similar bacteria that are being used on the front lines of a new form of treatment known as Probiotics. This is the use of certain, nonpathogenic bacteria to enhance people's health. Bacteria that are helpful are taken in with certain foods like oats, leeks, and onions. The probiotic bacteria can also be applied with certain cosmetic creams and substances that assist the skin in fighting off acne causing bacteria. Lactobacillus Acidophilus, another Lactobacillus bacteria, is used in helping women with yeast infections. Lactobacillus Thermophilus, in particular, is found in many skin creams and is also taken orally for acne treatment. Over all, Lactobacillus Thermophilus is a very helpful and incredible bacteria that will probably be used in the future for other useful things.