Probiotic Yogurt Is Full Of Good Bacteria

By Author: Bishop Chanakira
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Yogurt is actually fermented milk, made by heating and cooling it for a time, then adding the fermenting bacteria while still warm. The bacterial cultures may be Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, or Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus. Through the fermentation of the milk component lactose, lactic acid is produced. This acid interacts with the milk protein to render yogurt its distinctive taste and texture. There is also a non-dairy yogurt produced from soy milk. The term yogurt is of Turkish derivation, and the food has been here for more than 5,500 years. Not really a modern concoction, as manufacturers would perhaps like you to believe.

Actually, yogurt is cultured in many countries under various names, mainly in Asia, Russia and the Indian continent. Different kinds of food preparations are also made out of yogurt and are considered either as appetizer or dessert. Vegetables, nuts, fruits and other foodstuffs are added to vary the taste, and some are chilled to counter hot weather. The additions also increase the nutritional contents of the food. There are drinks based on yogurt in countries of ...
... the Middle East, India, Western Russia, Central Asia and Central Europe. The American version is said to come from India.

Probiotic yogurt is essentially yogurt with functioning bacteria cultures beneficial to intestinal health. It is differentiated from regular yogurt ---which also has active and live bacteria cultures, or else it will not be yogurt--- in that in addition to the two bacteria present in the regular version, probiotic yogurt has a third strain, L. acidophilus. This strain is naturally present in the gastro-intestinal tract, the mouth and some other place in the body. In this last instance, the bacteria are effective against the yeast Candida albicans and similar strains.

Other probiotic yogurt may contain Bifidobacterium species. They are likewise part of the microflora in the digestive tract, including the colon. They help in digestion and may be a factor in the reduction of allergic reactions, and said to help prevent the growth of some tumors. Same as the Lactobacilli species, Bifidobacteria also produce organic compounds including lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid to control the growth of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The synthesis of Vitamin B-complex and faster absorption of calcium are the main beneficial effects of this action.

Yogurt is filled with the nutritional elements protein, Vitamins B6 and B12, riboflavin and calcium, thus is more nutritious than milk. It is also accepted by lactose-intolerant persons, inasmuch as the lactose in the milk has been converted into lactic acid through fermentation. Yogurt also helps in the fight against diarrhea, gastro-intestinal diseases, and other ailments of the digestive tract. This is made possible by restoring the balance of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in the intestines for normal digestive action of the body.

However, some people report feelings of 'bloating' or gas after eating probiotic yogurt. Excessive stimulation of the immune system might also result from regular ingestion, so doctors do not recommend yogurt for infants and the elderly with critical health problems.
Probiotics are essential to overall health. Click here to find out more about the benefits of probiotics yogurt.