Top benefits of including probiotic yogurts in your diet
We are all aware of the benefits of consuming probiotic supplements. To make things interesting, there’s a wide range of different probiotic yogurts available in different flavors! Help yourselves to it since it replicates the benefits the advantages of probiotic supplements. Probiotic yogurt is obtained from fermented dairy. It is rich and creamy in texture. Packed with beneficial probiotics, it is a well-balanced source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Probiotics are essentially live microorganisms that come with additional health benefits. Thus, it is rightly referred to as a ‘superfood’ in health circles. There are many probiotic yogurt brands in the market today. If a brand sources its dairy from grass-fed cows or goats, then the nutrition level of yogurt is maximized. This makes the yogurt a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, whey protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and other enzymes.
The best probiotic yogurts are made by heating dairy milk to the point of killing the existing bacteria. This process is labeled as pasteurization. After this, a master culture of live bacteria is introduced. The milk is allowed to ferment for several hours until it is thick, creamy, and tart. Here are six proven health benefits of including probiotic yogurt in your diet:
Contributes to the digestion process
The best probiotic yogurts contain a type of healthy bacteria that improve the working of your gut, which as we know is responsible for digestion and a healthy digestive tract. The active cultures introduced to the yogurt helps gastrointestinal conditions like colon cancer, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, and lactose intolerance. Researchers indicate that even individuals struggling with lactose intolerance find yogurt a soothing food, which doesn’t cause any digestive distress to them.
Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Outcomes from researchers are a proof that a higher intake of probiotic yogurt is directly associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, with the best Greek yogurt, probiotics consumption is high, which in turn supports digestion and the absorption of nutrients throughout the digestive tract. This helps in healthy blood sugar regulation in the body.
Lowers the risk of colorectal cancer
The International Journal of Cancer claims that yogurt consumption protects us against colorectal cancer. Yogurt aids in maintaining a healthier digestive tract, due to probiotics and healthy bacteria and thus prevents the body from colorectal cancer.
Enhances bone density and may help prevent osteoporosis
It has been proven that yogurt is a boon for anyone suffering from low bone density and osteoporosis. With the help of adequate nutrition including micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D, these conditions can be mitigated. It has been observed that the combination of calcium and vitamin D has a clear skeletal benefit, provided the dose of vitamin D is sufficiently high.
Aids weight loss and fat loss
Consuming three- to six-ounce servings of probiotic yogurt a day for 12 weeks is likely to double the amount of fat loss. Studies also say that the belly region and the waist circumference are particularly affected by the consumption of probiotic yogurt.
Acts as an immunity booster
Studies conducted around probiotics found that yogurt and other fermented milk products are capable of improving the gut mucosal immune system by increasing cytokine-producing cells in the intestine. This can prevent immune-mediated diseases in childhood. Yogurt’s probiotics also help in keeping the digestive tract free of disease-causing bacteria.
Most probiotic yogurt brands contain strains of healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei and Bifidus. Considering yogurt is a complete food in itself with an abundance of protein, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus and CLA, an essential fatty acid not produced by the body otherwise, every health-minded individual must consume probiotic yogurts to maintain themselves.