Weight Watchers Yogurt carries the National Yogurt Association's "Live and Active Cultures" seal verifying it had 100 million live cultures per gram when manufactured. This yogurt's live cultures include lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, found in all yogurts, plus two additional cultures -- bifidobacterium longum and lactobacillus acidophilus. It is available in 14 flavors and 3 sizes. The 6 oz. individual containers offer 14 flavors; the 4-pack come in 7 flavors; and the 32 oz. containers are vanilla or plain. Each 6 oz. serving has added A and D vitamins, 3 g of fiber, 100 calories and 1 point value.
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
For a refrigerated product to be considered yogurt, the USProbiotics.org website explains that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires yogurt to be produced by fermentation and culturing of the dairy ingredients with a bacterial culture containing lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus. When these bacteria convert lactose -- the sugar in milk -- into lactic acid, the result is yogurt. This process also gives yogurt its smooth texture and tangy taste. Live bacteria such as lactobacillus bulgaricus help maintain balance in your digestive system. Lactobacillus bulgaricus fights toxins and harmful bacteria, and it also expels antibiotics that can boost the immune system.
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Weight Watchers yogurt contains streptococcus thermophilus, which is used as a starter culture for manufacturing fermented dairy foods such as yogurt and Mozzarella cheese. Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic that has a role in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. According to the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, research in the last 20 years has shown that streptococcus thermophilus is a commercially important lactic acid bacterium, and its use has increased as a result of the rising demand for and consumption of yogurt containing live cultures.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus bacteria are found in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is considered beneficial because it produces lactase, vitamin K and anti-microbial substances. Although these bacteria have few side effects, according to MayoClinic.com, people with a weakened immune system, intestinal damage or overgrowth of intestinal bacteria should avoid taking lactobacillus acidophilus orally. People who are lactose intolerance can experience abdominal discomfort from dairy products containing lactobacillus acidophilus, and there have been reports relating these bacteria to infections of heart valves and artificial heart valves.
Bifidobacterium Longum
Weight Watchers has included an additional probiotic -- bifidobacterium longum -- in all of its yogurts. Probiotics such as bifidobacterium longum are dietary supplements that contain beneficial bacteria similar to those that grow in your body. Bifidobacterium longum, often called "B. longum" is a probiotic found naturally in both the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina. Bifidobacterium longum has been described as one of the most significant and important types of good bacteria in the human body. These microorganisms in your body and in yogurt and other foods can help maintain a healthy digestive tract, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and boost the immune system.
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