Monday, March 12, 2012

Reasons Why Probiotics Yogurt Is Best

By Sally Hirsch


Probiotics are live microbes which, when eaten in foods like probiotics yogurt, confer certain health benefits to the host organism. The most frequently used bacteria are bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. The term itself derives from a hybrid of Latin and Greek words that together mean 'for life.' Although, technically speaking, all yogurts are 'probiotic', nowadays the term refers specifically to specially manufactured species of bacteria. The stresses of modern life, use of antibiotics and heavy consumption of processed foods all conspire to reduce the amount of healthy bacteria living in our bodies.

In addition to providing healthy bacterial, this type of yogurt confers additional health benefits. As they are made from milk, they contain all of its goodness, such as calcium, protein, B Vitamins, Vitamin K and minerals. They can also promote weight loss when eaten as part of a calorie-controlled diet. When using them for this purpose, it is recommended to choose plain varieties that do not contain added sugar.

B vitamins serve as co-factors for the biosynthesis of many neurotransmitters used in nerve signal conduction. They are also know to boost the immune system, repair damaged nerves, protect the bones and even help to prevent some types of cancer. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.

Calcium is necessary for healthy bones and teeth and also plays a role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Probiotics found in yogurt can relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by modifying the existing intestinal flora and helping to regulate the immune system. They may also help to reduce the number of days missed off work by helping the body fight off minor infections like colds and flu.

There is some evidence that regular consumption of probiotics yogurt can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, particularly those that are caused by the pathogenic bacterium, Helicobacter pylori. This popular fermented diet product also contains minerals such as potassium, which is essential for normal metabolism.

The entire human body contains approximately 100 trillion cells. The intestines alone, however, are host to ten times as many microorganisms. By populating the intestines with healthy, helpful microbes, pathogenic bugs are unable to compete for space and nutrients.

When selecting a yogurt, it helps to read the label and make sure it contains live microorganisms. Heat-killed microbes are less effective. The foregoing should not be considered to represent medical advice. If you are considering adding yogurt to your diet for health reasons, it is recommended that you speak to a medical professional.




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