YOGHURT AS A PROBIOTICS PRODUCT

 

Do I need to remind you about how much I like Probiotics Product..?

 No!, but YES!, I like "YOGHURT" : Fermented milk, obtained from specific lactic acid. 

Probiotics yoghurt (labeled as "live yoghurt"or "active yoghurt") is yoghurt pasteurized to kill bacteria, with Lactobacillus added in measured units before packaging. Probiotics are food substance that contains beneficial microorganisms. To be effective, the beneficial microorganisms must arrive at the site of action (large intestine) in large number enough to exact their positive effects.

The fermentation of yoghurt is brought about by Lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophillus/lactics. Other bacteria may be added to enhance the probiotics and organoleptic properties.

The bacteria in yoghurt survive in the stomach condition due to the enhance protective buffer properties of yogurt compare to milk.

Nutrition

Yoghurt (plain yoghurt from whole milk) contain 81% water,  9% protein, 5% fat, and 4% carbohydrates, including 4% sugars (table). A 100-gram amount provides 406 kilojoules (97 kcal) of dietary energy. 

As a proportion of the Daily Value (DV), a serving of yoghurt is a rich source of vitamin B12 (31% DV) and riboflavin (23% DV), with moderate content of protein, phosphorus, and selenium (14 to 19% DV table). 

The consumption of this product is highly nutritional and possess some health benefits.

 Effect of yoghurt as a probiotic product.

It helps to improve lactose digestion;

Yoghurt has the ability to digest lactose  resulting into 20- 30% lower lactose level in yoghurt compared to unfermented milk when consumed.

Immune function; 

The interaction of yoghurt bacteria with the intestinal bacteria, helps to boost the immue system through the formation of some metabolite.

Diarrhea;

Diarrhea particularly in young children can be problematic because of the need to rehydrate the patient as quickly as possible combine  with the problem associated with the reduction in nutrient intake. Yoghurt can help in supplying liquid and  simultaneously provide natural antibiotics produced by lactic acid bacteria, this helps to reduce severity and duration of infant diarrhea.

Effect on cholesterol metabolism;

Some bacteria are found in yoghurt which has been shown to be capable of hydrolysis bile acid which will prevent its reabsorption and facilitate its elimination from body. Bile acid are formed from cholesterol in of liver. Therefore any increase in elimination of bile acid from the body would increase the rate of conversion of cholesterol to bile acid and consequently reduce the level of cholesterol in the body.

Vehicle for other nutrients; yoghurt can serve as vehicle for other nutrients, additionally, yoghurt consumption have been shown to increase zinc-bio availability in human being eating a diet high in plant based phytic without affecting iron bio-availabilty.

Yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals that play a key role in bone health. Consuming it regularly may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

However, make sure to choose your yogurt wisely. For maximal health benefits, choose plain, unsweetened varieties that contain probiotics.

Thanks for reading!

Article By:

Ojo Olalekan Solomon

Food, Nutrients & Health

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