Background:
Any food or supplement that contains living microorganisms able to maintain/improve “good” bacteria within one’s body is known as a probiotic. Probiotic supplements intend to benefit pre-existing microbes living inside an individual, so they can thus control harmful bacteria types. Oftentimes, probiotics contribute beneficial microbes (bacteria, etc.) to areas within one’s gut (most common - but not the only area), because it strengthens such communities, preventing a deficit of valuable microbes. Many people take a daily probiotic supplement as a way to maintain health, and prevent gut health issues. However, probiotics can as easily be found in several different types of food - one of the most well known ones being yogurt.
What are the Probiotic Benefits of Yogurt:
Yogurt is regarded as one of the most popular fermented foods in the world - not only for its taste, but also for its health benefits. While yogurt may have been “accidentally” discovered, the benefits it maintains don’t happen to be so accidental. Like other fermented milks, yogurt is a result of the fermentation and acidification of milk by probiotics, which thickens the product and increases its shelf life. In addition to its strong capabilities as a probiotic carrier, yogurt also carries rich sources of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12, providing very high biological value proteins and necessary fatty acids. However, its probiotic value can be separated into two categories: standard culture yogurt, and probiotic yogurt. Probiotic yogurt varies from standard yogurt as it is produced with additional beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) - as opposed to the standard manufacturing process. Overall, probiotic fermented milk products may be linked to the reduction of cholesterol serum levels, as well as the lowering of blood pressure - reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases. Further studies on such products have even shown promises of managing diabetes, because of insulin and fasting glucose level improvement, resulting in lower fasting blood sugar levels. Ironically, yogurt can be very suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, because the probiotics within, turn lactose into lactic acid (which is why yogurt has such a unique sour taste).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the future of the food industry holds many promises for yogurt (as well as other fermented milks) as a developmental figure in the processes of delivering bioactive nutrients to humans due to its high nutritional value.
References
Hadjimbei, Elena, et al. “Beneficial Effects of Yoghurts and Probiotic Fermented Milks and Their Functional Food Potential.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Sept. 2022,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9455928/.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “What Are Probiotics & What Do They Do?” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics. Accessed 30 June 2024.
“What Are Probiotics? Probiotic Supplements, Foods, Uses, Benefits, and Safety.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-are-probiotics. Accessed 30 June 2024.
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