Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed in foods like probiotics yogurt, are believed to benefit the host organism. The most commonly used microbes are bifido- and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The term originates from the Latin and Greek words meaning 'for' and 'life'. Technically speaking, all fermented dairy product is 'probiotic'. Recently, however the term is used to refer to foods containing certain trademarked microorganisms. Stress, antibiotics and a high intake of processed foods can reduce the number of healthy bacteria in the gut.
As well as being a source of 'friendly' bacteria, these yogurts have other health benefits. They contain all the goodness of the milk from which they are produced, including protein, calcium, minerals, B vitamins and Vitamin K. They can also facilitate weight loss when used as part of a healthy, calorie-restricted diet. When consuming it to help lose weight, plain, unflavored varieties should be chosen to avoid taking in unnecessary 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 proper nerve and muscle function. It is also essential for healthy teeth and bones. The probiotics found in fermented dairy products help to regulate the immune system and, by changing the pre-existing intestinal flora, they can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They can also help the body ward off colds and flu, thus minimizing the number of days that people have to take off work sick.
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 human body as a whole contains roughly one hundred trillion cells. The intestines themselves, however, harbor ten times that number of microbes. When we populate the intestines with helpful, healthy microorganisms, their pathogenic cousins compete for space and nutrients and become outnumbered by the good guys.
When choosing a brand of yogurt at the supermarket, be sure to check the label and buy only those that contain living microbes. Heat-killed bugs are ineffective. This article is not intended to be a substitute for consulting a doctor. Anyone planning to increase their intake of probiotics yogurt to take advantage of its health benefits should consult their regular health care professional.
As well as being a source of 'friendly' bacteria, these yogurts have other health benefits. They contain all the goodness of the milk from which they are produced, including protein, calcium, minerals, B vitamins and Vitamin K. They can also facilitate weight loss when used as part of a healthy, calorie-restricted diet. When consuming it to help lose weight, plain, unflavored varieties should be chosen to avoid taking in unnecessary 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 proper nerve and muscle function. It is also essential for healthy teeth and bones. The probiotics found in fermented dairy products help to regulate the immune system and, by changing the pre-existing intestinal flora, they can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They can also help the body ward off colds and flu, thus minimizing the number of days that people have to take off work sick.
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 human body as a whole contains roughly one hundred trillion cells. The intestines themselves, however, harbor ten times that number of microbes. When we populate the intestines with helpful, healthy microorganisms, their pathogenic cousins compete for space and nutrients and become outnumbered by the good guys.
When choosing a brand of yogurt at the supermarket, be sure to check the label and buy only those that contain living microbes. Heat-killed bugs are ineffective. This article is not intended to be a substitute for consulting a doctor. Anyone planning to increase their intake of probiotics yogurt to take advantage of its health benefits should consult their regular health care professional.
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