Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in Estonia. Scientists have for years worked on the prevention and treatment of such diseases. We know that we can support the cardiovascular system by reducing the heart’s work load and limiting the excess stress on blood vessels, for example, by controlling the blood pressure. Interestingly, some bacteria can help with that.

Research shows that the microbes found in humans participate, either directly or indirectly, in the protection against infection and influence the body’s metabolism. Several of the human-origin lactobacilli that have beneficial properties have been utilised in the food industry with the help of innovative biotechnology solutions – in the products we consume every day.

A good bacterium

Between 2005 and 2008, Estonian scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium, the Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA™ (DSM 21380). In order to employ the effects of TENSIA™ for the benefit of health, they recently developed a biotechnology solution for incorporating the lactobacillus into cheese. As a result, the probiotic Harmony™ Südamejuust (Heart-friendly cheese) was created, in cooperation between the Bio-Competence Centre of Healthy Dairy Products, the University of Tartu, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the company E-Piim.

The Harmony™ Südamejuust (Heart-friendly cheese) comprises the probiotic lactobacillus strain Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA™, with unique properties that control systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Eating Südamejuust (Heart-friendly cheese) on a daily basis supports the function of the cardiovascular system.

Proved by clinical trials

The aforementioned health claims about the Harmony™ Südamejuust have been prepared in accordance with EU legislation and the properties of the product have been proved in clinical trials.

The clinical trials involved people who ate 50 grams of the Harmony™ Südamejuust every day for three weeks straight. The trial subjects showed an increase in beneficial lactobacilli in the digestive tract – these enhance the gut flora’s protective mechanism against potential pathogens. Also, the increased number of lactobacilli in the body directly correlated with a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This can be connected with the absorption of NO and spermidine produced by TENSIA™ as these relax the smooth muscles of blood vessels.

The healthy Südamejuust can be eaten on its own or used in the preparation of various healthy dishes.