The intestinal microbiota is all the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, archaeons, eukaryotes and fungi) that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. Our health depends on it, it is essential for digestion, regulation of the immune system and production of nutrients and metabolites.

Carbohydrates are a major component of the human diet, but only some of them can be digested using our own enzymes. The dietary fiber, which is metabolized by our intestinal bacteria gives them a prosperous life, but bioactive plant phytochemicals are also valued by them.

For example anthocyanins, in which haskap berry is abundant, have a positive effect on bacterial balance, inhibiting the growth of bacteria linked to obesity. One study showed that consumption of haskap berry powder increased the population of “good” bacteria by 3 times (Taira T 2015). There is growing data that it is the “bad” bacteria that control our appetite for sweet and fatty foods (M Wouw 2017). So it's worth taking care of the “good” bacteria, they will help us eat healthy 😋.


Back to articles