Some yogurts contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, a lactic acid-producing bacteria thought to benefit digestion by helping restore a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Not all manufacturers label their yogurt with that information, so if you decide to take a probiotic for a specific health condition, the American Gastroenterological Association's patient's guide to probiotics suggests you call the company or check its website to find out exactly what probiotic strains its yogurt contains. You can also ask about any research the company has conducted to support its health claims.
Dannon
Dannon adds lactobacillus acidophilus to some refrigerated yogurts. Certain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus tolerate stomach acid, survive digestion and enter the large intestine, where, Dannon's information sheet on Live and Active Cultures explains, it may help restore the balance of good bacteria in your body. In a 2009 Medill School of Journalism and Communications article titled "Probiotics Beneficial, But Not Cure-alls, Say Health Professionals," author Jane Park writes that probiotics supplement a healthy diet but should not be taken as a replacement for medication.
Brown Cow
Brown Cow yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic that may replenish and help maintain healthy numbers of good bacteria in your intestines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic. Good bacteria break down food in the intestine and form substances such as lactic acid that create an unfriendly environment for unhealthy bacteria.
Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield Farm yogurt contains six live and active cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and the starter cultures -- Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus -- that all yogurts must have; plus three additional natural probiotics -- bifidus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can interfere with reabsorption of cholesterol in the intestines, which can help lower cholesterol.
Mountain High
Mountain High yogurt claims its yogurts supply billions of live and active probiotic cultures that help boost overall health. Probiotic cultures in the body are an essential part of the digestive system, however some bacteria die fighting disease and illness and must be replenished. Mountain High Yoghurt contains a blend of cultures including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidus and Lactobacillus casei. These cultures increase the numbers of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and help with digestion, metabolism and immunity.
References
- American Gastroenterological Association: Probiotics
- Medill Reports: Probiotics Beneficial, But Not Cure-alls, Say Health Professionals
- Brown Cow: A Culture of Good Health
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Stoneyfield: Six live active cultures --- count 'em!
- Academic Journals: Scientific Research and Essays: Effects of Probiotic Yoghurt Consumption on the Serum Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholestromic Cases in Shiraz, Southern Iran
Member Comments