Lactobacillus Bulgaricus is one of the main "starter" cultures used in the fermentation and the production of certain dairy products; primarily yogurt, but also including milk and some cheeses. This is because Lactobacillus Bulgaricus' metabolism is highly fermentative, with lactic acid being the primary metabolic result.
What is a metabolism? The conversion or breaking down of a substance from one form to another by a living organism.
What is fermentation? A chemical conversion of carbohydrates into alchohols or acids. It is also the process of energy production in a cell in an anaerobic environment.
Now that you know that fermentation starts out with carbohydrates, you can understand that Lactobacillus Bulgaricus can only function on a restricted carbohydrate count in the process of fermenting the aforementioned dairy products.
Again, lactobacillus bulgaricus produces lactic acids. This breaks down lactose in the body and in substances such as milk, causes the pores milk to clot, and the result is yogurt. The presence of these lactic acids also provide the unique taste of yogurt. Lactic acids also ensure that these fermented dairy products are inhabitable for other bacteria; and hence Lactobacillus keeps yogurt, milk, and cheese fresh.
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus' optimum (most productive) growth temperature is at roughly 42 degrees celsius, or 107.6 degrees farenheit. In the cultivation of these dairy products, usually another, very similar bacteria is used. It is called Streptococcus thermophilus. Streptococcus thermophilus is similar to Lactobacillus bulgaricus in that it is non-spore forming, anaerobic, and is usually found in milk. It is also classified as a lactic acid.
So, lactobacillus bulgaricus plays a huge role in the dairy industry. But what in specific has it accomplished?
Italian and Swiss cheese types and yogurt are the main focus of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus. For example, from the mid 1980's to the start of the new millenium, Mozarella production, an Italian cheese increased to about 325% than in previous years. This economically accounted for almost $1b. Lactobacillus Bulgaricus had the same effect on yogurt. Production increased a booming 240%, and economically accounted for another $1.1b. Overall, although it took a good half a century for it to take effect, this magnificent bacteria accounted for over 2 billion USD in the past twenty years.
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus can also be taken in supplements to counteract lactose intolerance. This is because it is an acidophilic bacteria that produces lactic acid. Lactic acid (lactase) keeps the amount of lactose in the body in check by breaking it down.
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus also lives in the human intestine. The lactic acid that it produces helps us rid our bodies of most disease-causing bacteria.
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