Activia yogurt, made by Dannon, contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics that can aid in digestion and boost your immune system. Dannon recommends you eat one 4-oz. serving of Activia daily, but notes that the more probiotic bacteria you consume, the better your results may be and suggests eating up to three 4-oz. servings each day for at least 14 days.
Bifidus Regularis
Dannon's Activia products contain Bifidus Regularis, a trade-marked name for Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010, a type of beneficial bacteria. Activia products contain billions of live microorganisms designed to survive digestion and make it to your intestines, where these beneficial bacteria can colonize and help your body digest and absorb nutrients more effectively. Bifidus Regularis is just one species of Bifidobacterium bacteria.
Probiotics
There are two main groups of probiotic bacteria -- Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillius. The National Institutes of Health says that Bifidobacterium probiotics are possibly effective for treating diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. These helpful microorganisms can also help treat and prevent yeast infections by keeping a less-friendly bacteria -- Candida albicans -- in check. There are about 3 lbs. of living bacteria in your digestive tract -- over 100 trillion cells, which your body needs to digest food and keep your immune system healthy. Probiotic literally means "for life" and describes any microorganism that offers a benefit to its host.
Activia
Dannon suggests you try Activia products for two weeks -- eating at least one and up to three, 4-oz. servings daily. Activia products come in a variety of flavors and range from a light 70 calorie fat-free yogurt to full-fat 150 calorie flavors that contain 4 g of fat and 20 g of sugar. When including Activia in your daily diet, pay attention to calorie count. Although yogurt may be a healthy food choice, adding 400 to 500 calories to your diet could cause weight gain.
Other Benefits
In addition to containing probiotic Bifidus Regularis, Activia does offer additional health benefits. Yogurt is an excellent source of both protein and calcium. A 4-oz. serving of Activia can contain between 4 g and 6 g of protein and up to 20 percent of an adult's RDA for calcium.
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