Foods guard against E. coli, Salmonella

WAGENINGEN, Netherlands, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Sesame seed extract and konjac gum -- a food stabilizer -- may help protect against strains of E. coli and salmonella bacteria, Dutch researchers said.

Dr. Petra Becker of Wageningen University and Research Center in Netherlands said the study shows bacteria attach themselves to the fibrous foods instead of the gut cells of the host. Other foods that had a beneficial effect included yeast, tomato and pumpkin.

Becker said eating a diet full of these foodstuffs may offer protection from gastro-intestinal infections or reduce the severity of symptoms caused by E. coli or salmonella.

The scientists looked at 18 food-related products and all were subjected to in-vitro exposure to various bacteria that were allowed to attach themselves to the test products. The levels of bound bacteria were determined in a microplate-based method specifically developed for this purpose.

"The importance of fiber, particularly from certain foodstuffs, in maintaining a healthy gut and digestion cannot be underestimated," Becker said in a statement. "The study shows that these foods bind certain bacteria and may be a means of stopping bacteria from entering host cells thereby preventing disease."

The finding is published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.