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.
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.
Vitamin K is necessary for efficient blood clotting. The B vitamins have a number of different functions. They protect the bones, boost the immune system, repair damaged nerves and act as co-factors in the biosynthesis of certain neurotransmitters. They also help to prevent certain types of cancer.
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.
Regular consumption of these fermented dairy products may also help to reduce the risk of certain ulcers in the stomach, especially those that are caused by Helicobacter pylori, a well-know pathogenic microbe. They also contain minerals that are important for metabolism, such as potassium.
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 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.
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.
Vitamin K is necessary for efficient blood clotting. The B vitamins have a number of different functions. They protect the bones, boost the immune system, repair damaged nerves and act as co-factors in the biosynthesis of certain neurotransmitters. They also help to prevent certain types of cancer.
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.
Regular consumption of these fermented dairy products may also help to reduce the risk of certain ulcers in the stomach, especially those that are caused by Helicobacter pylori, a well-know pathogenic microbe. They also contain minerals that are important for metabolism, such as potassium.
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 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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