Although bacteria are often something you try to avoid, in the case of yogurt, they can be good for you. Bacteria are used in the production of yogurt and offer a number of health benefits to people of all ages. Additionally, manufacturers have begun to add healthy bacteria sources known as probiotics to further enhance yogurt's health benefits.
How Yogurt Is Made
Bacteria --- known as lactic acid bacteria or lactobacteria--- are required to make yogurt into the creamy consistency you enjoy. Manufacturers add bacterial cultures from existing yogurt with live cultures or from lactobacteria grown in petri dishes. Bacterial strains used include Lactobacillus or Streptococcus chains, each of which has different effects when added to milk. For example, one bacteria type called exopolysaccharides are known for their ability to bind to water to make for a thicker yogurt.
When the chosen bacterial strains are added to milk, the bacteria cause fermentation. This food processing technique of fermentation is used to produce bread, beer and wine as well. The lactobacteria change the sugars and carbohydrates in milk, creating a more solid consistency and releasing gases as a byproduct. The bacteria also give the yogurt its tart taste.
Probiotics
If antibiotics help to kill bacteria in the body, probiotics found in yogurt do the opposite and help to foster their growth. This is a good thing because your body naturally contains bacteria, specifically in your intestines. Yogurt containing probiotic bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can offer several benefits, including preventing and treating growth of bad bacteria known to cause diarrhea, such as e. Coli and salmonella. Probiotics also may be helpful in treating a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and stomachaches by providing healthy digestive bacteria.
Lactose Intolerance
If you are lactose intolerant --- meaning your body does not contain the enzyme lactase that helps to digest milk sugars --- you may find you can eat yogurt with minimal side effects. This is thanks to the bacteria in yogurt; the culturing process that creates yogurt makes lactase. This means you may be able to enjoy yogurt even though it contains milk, because the bacterial cultures will help to break milk proteins down in your stomach. However, this is only true for bacteria that are labeled as having "active cultures," meaning the bacteria present are alive and able to make digesting proteins easier.
Warning
Follow expiration date labels concerning yogurts to ensure you reap the benefits of bacteria in the yogurt. Store your yogurt in the refrigerator at temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As your yogurt nears its expiration date, you may notice its taste becoming stronger and more tart. This is because the bacteria may be multiplying. Regardless of its expiration date, avoid eating yogurt if it has an odd smell or appearance.
References
- Ask Dr. Sears; 10 Reasons Yogurt Is a Top Health Food; Dr. Barry Sears; 2006
- Live Science; Yogurt Culture Evolves; Sara Goudarzi; June 2006
- Health Castle; Health Benefits of Probiotics; Gloria Tsang, RD; July 2008
- Ask Dr. Sears; 6 Health Benefits of Lactobacteria; Dr. Barry Sears; 2006
- "The New York Times"; They Do the Work, You Reap the Yogurt; Harold McGee; April 2009
- Dr. Greene; Fast Facts About Yogurt and Beneficial Bacteria; Dr. Alan Greene; January 2003
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