An immunity boosting lactic acid bacterium has been found in Korea’s traditional soybean paste called doenjang.
 
A team of scientists at the Korea Food Research Institute announced Monday that it succeeded in separating a natural lactic bacteria agent from doenjang.
 
The newly discovered bacterium called “lactobacillus sakei K040706” has the same effects, no matter whether it is alive or dead. It is also possible to process the bacterium in various forms through heat treatment.
 
An animal experiment has confirmed that the newly found lactic acid bacterium is especially effective in boosting immunity and intestinal activities, reducing the risk of colon cancer and preventing the flu.
 
The research team expected that the bacterium will be used to produce domestic alternatives for imported probiotics products, which are growing in popularity as a good nutritional supplement amid a rising interest in related health issues.