Helpful Bacteria Examples

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When it comes to bacteria, you don't have to really talk to a doctor to know whether these microbes are good or bad for health. Since childhood, we have been taught that bacteria are harmful to health. Although, this information passed from one generation to another is correct, it is incomplete as good bacteria also exists. To be precise, helpful and harmful types of bacteria are both present but very few people know about beneficial bacteria. Although helpful bacteria examples are not many, their existence is very important for a healthy living of humans and plants.

Examples of Helpful Bacteria

It is found that certain species of bacteria are not destructive by nature. They help to combat infections and promote overall well being. Some of the beneficial bacteria are discussed below:

E.Coli
E.coli also known as Escherichia coli comes in the list of helpful bacteria examples. Why? Simply because it plays an important role to digest the ingested food. Basically, a considerable amount of E.Coli population stays in the large intestine (colon). Colon is that part of the body where most of the digestion occurs. The bacterium E.Coli releases enzymes (complex proteins) that help to promote better digestion. The enzymes secreted by the E.coli assist to speed up digestion. Besides increasing digestion power, E.coli also contribute to manufacture two essential nutrients that include vitamin K and vitamin B12. In fact, the synthesis of vitamin K and B complex vitamins like B6 and B12 in our body is due to the presence of E.coli. Keep in mind that there are different strains of E.coli and not all provide health benefits. Some can be really nasty and exposure to these can causes intestinal problems like diarrhea.

Streptomyces
The list of helpful bacteria examples is incomplete without mentioning about streptomyces. They are commonly referred as 'good bacteria' because prescription antibiotics used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, are manufactured with the help of streptomyces. The use of streptomyces is not just limited in the synthesis of antibacterial agents. Bacteria belonging to the class of streptomyces are also utilized to make anti-fungal agents and other medicines such as immunosuppressants that are recommended for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Rhizobium
Rhizobium is a soil bacteria that does an important job of supplying ammonia to plants. It is a known fact that plant growth is not possible without ammonia. Ammonia is an excellent nutrient source for the plants. Unfortunately, the amount of ammonia present in the atmosphere is not enough for plants to survive. However, nitrogen and oxygen is abundantly present in the atmosphere. So, in order to fulfill the nutrient requirements of plants, rhizobium bacteria uses oxygen in the atmosphere to convert nitrogen into ammonia. This process is known as nitrogen fixation, which allows plants to grow properly. Hence, microbes belonging to the class of rhizobium, are also referred as nitrogen fixing bacteria.

Lactobacillis Acidophilus
Lactobacillis acidophilus is one of the best helpful bacteria examples. Dairy products like yogurt are prepared by exposing milk to lactobacillis acidophilus bacteria. Parents whose children avoid drinking milk are advised to give yogurt. This is because, nutritional value of both the milk and yogurt are the same. No wonder, lactobacillis acidophilus come in the list of beneficial bacteria names. Lactobacillus acidophilus usually reside the vagina and the small intestine. Their presence in adequate amounts is very important as the body completely depends upon lactobacillus acidophilus for the manufacturing of vitamin K and other infection fighting agents. However, when the population of lactobacillis acidophilus decreases below the normal range, the person is likely to fall prey to infections. Taking home made yogurt on a daily basis is the best way to keep lactobacillis acidophilus population in normal proportion.

These are some of the helpful bacteria examples that have been instrumental in keeping our health in good shape. Bacteria like rhizobium ensure that plants are not deprived of adequate nitrogen absorption, thus creating a conducive environment for their growth and nourishment.