Beneficial Bacteria Names

The word 'bacteria' refers to the group of unicellular microorganisms, having a wide range of shapes, growing in every habitat on earth, including living bodies of human beings, animals and plants. Bacteriology, a study of different types of bacteria, is a branch of microbiology. A dutch merchant named Antony van Leeuwenhoek, first observed the bacteria with a lens that was designed by him only. There are both helpful and harmful types of bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria cause diseases but it is surprising, that almost 99% bacteria are helpful bacteria. They are present in food, water, air and they travel from one person to another. They cannot be called parasites in human body because with their help only, human body functions well. The number of bacteria present in our body exceeds the number of cells in our body, while the population of beneficial bacteria in this world surpasses the population of human beings! Even after a good bath, over one million bacteria are supposedly always present over every square centimeter of the skin!

Beneficial Bacteria Names and Functions

Depending upon the shape, bacteria are classified as coccus, having spherical shape, bacillus having rod like shape, spirochete which are spiral or corkscrew shaped, and vibrio which are comma shaped. The beneficial bacteria are called 'probiotics' and the other bacteria, which help the probiotics to function well are called 'prebiotics'. The human body system fights the diseases through skin layer, immune system, mucous lining and finally through the 'gut microflora'. These gut microflora are present in the intestine, which are nothing but colonies of beneficial bacteria. Bacteria also have names and surnames like human beings!

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: These are the most friendly bacteria where Lactobacillus is the genus name and acidophilus is the particular strain. They are naturally present in dairy products and are added in dietary supplements for better results.
• Tobacillus acidophilus: They belong to the genus Lactobacillus and are acid loving bacteria. These are found in buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream and frozen desserts, convert sugar and carbohydrates into lactic acid and so, are called lactic acid bacteria. By lowering the pH and reducing the risk of growth of other organisms in the food through this process, they generate the fermented taste. This process is beneficial for people, as it prevents the gastrointestinal infections.
• Cyanocobalamin: These bacteria help in the production of vitamin B12 during the process of digestion. Probiotics are responsible for the overall digestive health, as they break down the complex components of the food, so that, they can be easily absorbed in the blood.
• Acidophilus bifidus: These help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the growth of hostile yeasts like Candida albicans. The acidophilus bifidus bacteria cleanse the blood stream by removing the toxins. Thus, they enhance the immune system.
• Streptomyces: Streptomyces are used in manufacturing of antibiotics.
• Rhizobium These play an important role in nitrogen fixation.
• E. coli - Escherichia coli These are present in the intestine and are also known as enteric bacteria. These bacteria help in digestion and keep us healthy. They also produce vitamin B-complex and vitamin K.
• Streptococcus mutans: These are the bacteria which are found in the mouth, convert sucrose, sugar into lactic acid.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Proprionibacterium acnes: These are present on the skin and are usually commensal. They prevent certain fungus from spreading.
• Acidophilus Bacteria: Found in vagina, these bacteria produce the lactic acid which prevents the fungal growth.
• Intestinal Flora: The intestinal flora play an important role in the formation of new cells, for regeneration of the intestinal track, by fermenting dietary fiber and producing fatty acids. Intestinal bacteria also produce some vitamins required by the body.
• Probiotics: These help in synthesis of vitamin K, which is required for clotting of blood. They also help in the absorption of magnesium.
• Saccharomyces boulardii: These help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
• Anaerobic Beneficial Bacteria: These are helpful in fermentation of vinegar and in the cheese making process too.

Bacteria that are Beneficial for Water, Soil and Plants

Other than humans, bacteria benefit water, soil and plants also. In water, some bacteria help in dissolving organic sludge from water. They break down the growth of algae and reduce noxious odors, enhancing the growth of fish in the water. In soil, bacteria help break down the organic fertilizers into matter, which can be easily absorbed by the plants. Some of the bacteria present in soil, convert nitrogen into nitrates, so that, plants can easily absorb them. These can be described as the beneficial bacteria for plants and humans, as plants in turn are consumed by human beings. Some other beneficial plant bacteria, break down the woody and tough tissues of jute, coconut, hemp and flax. Bacteria are also used in some biological pest control methods, in place of pesticides and they are also important in the production of pure chemicals, which are used in agriculture or pharmaceutical industries.

Probiotics are available in the form of capsules. The beneficial bacteria supplements are quite popular. The names of these branded medicines or food supplements are easier to remember, than the beneficial bacteria names. But natural intake of these bacteria through buttermilk, yogurt, miso etc. is always recommended. Prebiotics intake can be increased by including oatmeal, barley, banana, flax, green vegetables, etc. in the diet. Beneficial bacteria can survive anywhere, without humans, but we cannot survive without them. The Mother Nature has effectively created these bacteria, to offer us help in the functions we cannot achieve on our own.