Frankie Spano
04-28-2008, 06:02 PM
Health Benefits of Probiotics
Studies found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, including B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
Pediatric studies found that probiotics aids in a significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25% decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.
Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture.
Many studies showed that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation among the elderly.
Other studies showed that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduces the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer causing substances).
Quite a few studies found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes as well as antibodies.
Bottom Line:
Not all yogurt contains active bacterial culture. L bulgaricus, S thermophilus and L acidophilus are the most common bacterial strains added in yogurt. Therefore look for these bacteria on the ingredient list. Also check the label and look for the words "live cultures" or "active cultures". Avoid yogurt that says "heat treated after culturing" on the label. This means that after the bacteria was added in yogurt, it was pasteurized - a process which can denature lactase enzymes and destroy live cultures.
Studies found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, including B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
Pediatric studies found that probiotics aids in a significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25% decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.
Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture.
Many studies showed that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation among the elderly.
Other studies showed that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduces the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer causing substances).
Quite a few studies found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes as well as antibodies.
Bottom Line:
Not all yogurt contains active bacterial culture. L bulgaricus, S thermophilus and L acidophilus are the most common bacterial strains added in yogurt. Therefore look for these bacteria on the ingredient list. Also check the label and look for the words "live cultures" or "active cultures". Avoid yogurt that says "heat treated after culturing" on the label. This means that after the bacteria was added in yogurt, it was pasteurized - a process which can denature lactase enzymes and destroy live cultures.