Our Digestive System, Food, and Friendly Bacteria

Article by Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO
Posted on February 14, 2010

A recent article released by the journal BMC Microbiology found that certain foods, specifically apples, may help boost the “friendly” bacteria in our guts. Researchers fed rats a diet rich in apples (in many forms = whole apples, puree, apple juice) vs. a control diet. Scientists studied genetics to determine whether or not the rats had developed the special microorganisms in our digestive system that could be beneficial to our health. Results indicated that the rats eating a diet high in pectin, which is a type of dietary fiber found in apples, had an increase amount of certain bacteria that can improve our intestinal health. Researchers suggest that if apples are eaten regularly, the friendly bacteria can help us achieve ideal pH conditions, which leads to a balance of microorganisms found in the intestines.

Pectin is a complex carbohydrate and a water-soluble fiber that is found in many fruits (citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, and it is also added to jams/jellies). In addition to having positive impact on our digestive health, fruit pectin may also help to protect us against cancer and help to lower cholesterol levels. Soluble fibers have been researched to help slow diarrhea, improve heart health and can be found in fruits, oat bran, barley, and legumes.