Yogurt is the most popular product when it comes to probiotics. It’s popular among health buffs because aside from its low fat content, it is also a good source of calcium and it has minimal lactose as well.
It also contains the good bacteria derived from Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These probiotics in yogurt actually cause its distinct sour taste.
Probiotics aid in the proper digestion of nutrients and promote a digestive system that is healthy and functioning well. This leads to a strong immune system, most of which lies in the intestinal walls. The fact that numerous nerve endings are located in the gastrointestinal tract explains why digestive problems affect the mood.
Probiotics aid digestion that also results to a happy composure and fights stress. Other functions of probiotics in yogurt could also include aiding in lactose intolerance, prevent cancer and tumors of the colon, reduce cholesterol, prevent infection, and relieve the effects of some gastrointestinal problems such as Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome by reducing inflammation associated with these disorders.
The regular yogurt is made traditionally using Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus strains. Recent developments show extra cultures added in processing the yogurt to improve its properties.
These added probiotics in yogurt: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus reuteri, survive digestion and reach the colon. The additional strains gave rise to the term “probiotic yogurt”.
The issue on whether probiotic yogurt is more effective than the regular one is still debatable.
The sensitive nature of could limit the effectiveness of its delivery to the colon. In extreme temperature and environment, the probiotics could be killed and become useless.
Add to this is the fact that most of these substances are destroyed during pasteurization.
Additional bacterial strains increase the count in the system, without any indication on whether the body actually requires it.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are naturally-occurring. These are derived from plant foods which are not affected by temperature or acidity thus remains effective until it reaches the colon.
Prebiotics strengthens immunity and aid in the absorption of needed nutrients, preventing the same illnesses and diseases as those prevented by probiotics but in a more natural, safer way. These make prebiotics healthier to use than probiotics.
Prebiotics, though, should never be used as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, good diet, exercise and good hygiene. The good benefits of prebiotics work well if these conditions are also present.