Nutrition: lactic acid bacteria from yoghurt and Sauerkraut to stimulate our immune system
As lactic acid bacteria stimulate our immune system
Lactic acid bacteria from fermented foods like yogurt and Sauerkraut to play for our health a major role. So far, however, is largely unclear where this effect originates. A German research group has now found in a recent study found that bacteria from fermented food interact directly with the immune system. The humans and the apes, as only mammals, a Receptor for lactic acid bacteria.
A research team at the University of Leipzig has found a Receptor on human cells that is activated by signals sent by lactic acid bacteria. Via the Receptor a direct interaction between the immune system and the bacteria. The researchers see in the Receptor the reason for the positive effects of fermented foods on human health. The results of the study were recently published in the prestigious scientific journal “Plos genetics”.
The mystery of the probiotics
By the lactic acid fermentation, popular food from the Sauerkraut incurred up to the yogurt. The probiotic products are considered to be health-promoting. The exact reason behind it is not yet known. The lactic acid bacteria, which are also part of the gut flora (intestinal Microbiome) have been made for the positive aspects of responsible. The research group of the University of Leipzig has now come a step further in the decoding. They discovered that the humans and the apes as the only mammals to possess a Receptor that responds to the signals of the lactic acid bacteria.
How we interact with lactic acid bacteria inter
The Leipzig scientists showed for the first time, such as lactic acid bacteria interact with our bodies. They examined certain proteins that sit on the surface of cells. The so-called hydroxy carboxylic acid (HCA) receptors are in the majority of mammals are present. But while all Mammal species can only have two different receptors of this type, have man and apes, three of them. The HCA3 Receptor appears to be specifically for the communication between the immune system and lactic acid bacteria present.
Why do we react so well to fermented food?
“We have combined evolutionary, pharmacological, immunological and analytical methods, and investigated why this Receptor has remained with us during Evolution,” says the study’s leader, Dr. Claudia Stäubert in a press release. According to the theory the researchers came to the enforcement of the receptor to a time when our human ancestors ‘ lifestyle changes and less fresh fruit was available. More fallen fermented fruit have been eaten. In this scenario, the Receptor HCA3 was possibly a decisive advantage.
How is the interaction?
“We have discovered in the course of this study, a substance found in high concentrations in fermented foods such as Sauerkraut, activates the Receptor HCA3 and the function of the human immune system is affected,” says Stäubert. In experiments, the Team showed that after the consumption of Sauerkraut are the concentrations of a substance called D-phenyl lactic increases acid in the blood, which is emitted from the lactic acid bacteria. The concentration from the rich to stimulate the newly discovered HCA3 receptors. As a result, the immune system and the fat cells will be communicated via the Receptor, to a foreign substances and energy in the body are reached.
The new Receptor is behind the health-promoting effects?
“Countless studies show the positive effects of the lactic acid bacteria and fermented food will be taught,” stressed the head of the study. The Leipzig Team is convinced that the discovered Receptor for at least some of these effects must be responsible. In the following studies will now be examined more closely, the task of D-phenyl lactic acid. Furthermore, the researchers want to find out whether the HCA3-Rezepor diseases as a therapeutic point of attack for Digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome is.
Further studies on fermented food
Other recent studies have examined the positive effects of fermented foods. A Qur’anic study highlighted the health-promoting effects of Kimchi. The fermented cabbage similar to Sauerkraut and is in Korea is extremely popular. According to studies, the traditional court may act against high blood pressure and Obesity. You can find more information in the article: Obesity and hypertension with Kimchi prevention. (vb)
