The phrase "Bulgarian wand" among connoisseurs causes only positive emotions. After all, if the product contains such an ingredient, then it will certainly be useful and tasty.
Material Content:
What is a Bulgarian wand
Bulgarian sticks are called one of the two lactic acid bacteria that are used in the production of yoghurts. In Latin, the full name of a useful microorganism sounds like lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus. The wand was called “Bulgarian” for a reason. For the first time, a student from Bulgaria, Stamen Grigorov, drew attention to her in 1905 when he studied the composition of ayran. He also made a description of the rod-like lactobacillus, which was used in the production of a local drink.
Scientists have revealed that in the process of evolutionary development, the genome of the microorganism has changed. New bacterial strains have lost some ability and some genes. At the same time, they acquired previously unknown molecules in DNA - plasmids.
The positive properties of lactobacilli were highly appreciated by the famous biologist Ilya Mechnikov. He believed that it was thanks to the Bulgarian wand that so many centenarians were noted among the population of Bulgarian villages. The scientist argued that unique microorganisms inhibit putrefactive processes in the intestine, thereby increasing the human lifespan. Until the last days, Mechnikov consumed dairy products and the pure culture of Bulgarian sticks daily.
What foods contain sour milk bacteria
Lactobacilli (lactobacilli) are the first microorganisms that a person encounters.They penetrate the body of the newborn in the process of passage through the birth canal, then enter the body mainly during the use of fermented milk products.
With the help of such microorganisms, you can get various goodies that differ in taste, appearance and cooking features. But their main dissimilarity lies in the fact that different types of sour-milk bacteria are used in the fermentation process.
| Name of fermented milk products | What bacteria are used |
|---|---|
| fermented baked milk | thermophilic streptococci with or without Bulgarian stick |
| Ayran | bulgarian stick, yeast, thermophilic streptococci |
| koumiss | yeast, Bulgarian and acidophilus sticks |
| kefirs | kefir fungi (yeast) |
| yogurts | thermophilic streptococci and Bulgarian stick in a 1: 1 ratio |
| varenets | thermophilic streptococci |
| plain yogurt | lactococci, thermophilic streptococci |
| yogurt Mechnikov | thermophilic streptococcus, Bulgarian stick |
| acidophilus | acidophilus bacillus, lactococcus, kefir fungus |
The prefix bi- in the name of some types of similar products indicates that probiotics or prebiotics are present in the composition. They improve the beneficial properties of drinks.
At what temperature do lactobacilli die
Lactobacilli are found in many organs of the human body. This is an important element for maintaining an optimal pH level. Useful microorganisms tolerate low acidity well, therefore, they survive in the human digestive tract without problems. The largest concentration of lactococci in the intestine, the least in the gastric environment. The death of microscopic organisms is provoked by high temperature indicators, increased humidity and direct sunlight. Depending on the type of lactobacilli, they can withstand no more than +70 ° C.
Prepare real yogurt without heat treatment of raw materials. As a sourdough in such a delicacy, only sour-milk streptococci and a Bulgarian stick are used. Both types of bacteria are thermophilic substances that feel good in heat. The optimum temperature for the growth of the Bulgarian stick is +42 ° C.
Benefits and harm to the body
The positive impact of Bulgarian sticks on humans:
- slows down the aging process;
- stimulates immune abilities;
- beneficial effect on the general condition, liver and kidney function;
- mitigates the negative effects of antibiotics on the body;
- cleanses the intestines from pathogens, toxic substances and toxins;
- help to cope with dysbiosis and improve microflora;
- participates in the synthesis of proteins, vitamins K and representatives of group B, iron, selenium, iodine and other nutrients;
- reduces the risk of allergic reactions and cancer;
- improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair;
- contributes to maintaining optimal weight, losing weight;
- fights constipation, bloating and other intestinal problems;
- prevents atherosclerotic changes.
Sour milk bacteria will help those who suffer from lactose intolerance. Such people are recommended to include products based on bulgarian sticks in the diet, because they are absorbed by the body better than milk. Home-made natural Bulgarian yogurt is indicated for use in the menu of children from 8 months of age. Experts emphasize that lactobacilli are one of the few microorganisms that can not harm a person.
The benefit of the Bulgarian stick is maximized if you make yogurt of it yourself. For this, a special yeast is purchased in a pharmacy or other specialized place, in which there are classic yogurt bacteria - Bulgarian stick and thermophilic streptococci. The finished dish has a delicate structure and a mild taste. It is stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. The drink is best for dessert. You can add pieces of fruits or berries, dried fruits, honey to it.The product is appropriate to use as the basis for various sauces for meat and fish dishes.
Natural fermented milk yogurt is used externally.
From it they make:
- nourishing face masks and coarsened skin areas;
- teeth whitening agent;
- soothing potion for sunburn;
- body scrubs;
- hair conditioners.
The original use case is to get edible paints for children based on natural yogurt.
Interesting facts about the Bulgarian wand
A few historical realities:
- The ancient inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula for about 4000 years BC made fermented milk. It is believed that the ancestors of modern Bulgarians began to make yogurt in the XIV century. The product is called "sweet and sour." In this country, the requirements for the composition of the delicacy, which has become the national symbol of the state, are strictly regulated. There is even a museum dedicated to the popular dish. Local yogurt is an all-natural milk based product. It does not contain preservatives, sugar, flavorings or other additives. Many countries produce desserts of the same name. But most of them have nothing to do with real yogurt.
- In Bulgaria, a monument to Stamen Grigorov. The discoverer of the Bulgarian wand was invited to prestigious work in Geneva, Brazil and other places of the globe. But the humble patriot did not leave his native land for a long time. He returned to the town of his youth, where he worked in a local hospital. The medical institution was subsequently named after him.
- In 1906, a company was registered, animated by the sale of medicines for gastrointestinal diseases - inflammation, constipation, diarrhea. The dry powder is called "Lactobacillin." Brochures issued in a large circulation offered to take the new-fangled medication on their own. An interesting fact: the advertisement called for applying for funds to "the only supplier - Professor Mechnikov." The scientist claimed that he did not pursue the goal of profiting from the sale. It is believed that the company he registered as a front man was engaged in the propaganda of dry Bulgarian sticks. And whether the famous biologist made money on this, it remained a mystery.
It’s not without reason that people have been using the Bulgarian stick for centuries in the diet. After all, products based on it will not harm, while helping to maintain health and well-being.
