Boost Your Gut Health with Probiotic Yogurt!

by Alpas Health | May 7, 2023

Probiotic yogurt has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its powerful health benefits. Not only is it a tasty snack, but it can also improve your gut health and overall wellbeing. In this article, we will explore what probiotic yogurt is, the best brands to choose from, how to incorporate it into your diet, and its many benefits. So, grab a spoon and let’s get started!

What is Probiotic Yogurt?

Probiotic yogurt is a type of yogurt that is made with live bacterial cultures. These cultures are specifically chosen for their beneficial effects on the gut. The strains of bacteria used in probiotic yogurt, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, are known to help balance the natural bacteria in the gut and improve digestion.

Probiotic yogurt is different from regular yogurt in several ways. Firstly, it contains a higher concentration of live bacterial cultures. This means that it provides more beneficial bacteria to the gut than regular yogurt. Additionally, probiotic yogurt typically contains fewer added sugars than regular yogurt. This makes it a healthier option for those who are looking to improve their gut health.

Four benefits to consuming yogurt with live bacteria

Firstly, it can improve digestion by helping to break down food and absorb nutrients. This can lead to a reduction in bloating and other digestive issues.
Probiotic yogurt can also boost the immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies. This can help to protect against infections and illnesses.
Probiotic yogurt is that it can help to reduce inflammation in the gut. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Probiotic yogurt has also been shown to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Probiotic yogurt is widely available in supermarkets and health food stores. When choosing a probiotic yogurt, it is important to check the label to ensure that it contains live bacterial cultures. It is also important to choose a yogurt that is low in added sugars and other additives.

Top 5 Probiotic Yogurt Brands

Here are the top five probiotic yogurt brands on the market in the UK:

Actimel – Actimel is a small cultured yogurt shot. It contains L.casei cultures (completely unique to Danone), and vitamins B6 and D which help millions of people support their immune system on a daily basis. It is available in a wide range of fabulous flavors.
Activia – Activia is a brand of yogurt owned by Danone. It is made with an exclusive blend of five bacterial strains and is known for its creamy structure and unique taste. Activia contains calcium which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
Benecol – Benecol is a brand that produces food products that contain plant stanol ester, which has been shown to lower cholesterol. They offer a range of products, including yogurt drinks that contain plant stanols and are proven to lower cholesterol by up to 7 to 10% in just 3 weeks. The unique plant stanols of Benecol partially block cholesterol from getting into your bloodstream.
Bio&Me – Bio&Me is a UK-based food company that creates gut-loving prebiotic yoghurt. Their products are packed with different types of plant goodness and live and active cultures to promote good gut health.

Comparison of Probiotic and Natural Yogurt

While natural yogurt is a healthy snack choice, it does not contain the same level of beneficial bacteria as probiotic yogurt. Natural yogurt is made with milk and contains some live cultures, but it may also contain added sugars and flavorings. On the other hand, probiotic yogurt is specifically made to contain higher levels of good bacteria and often has less added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Plant-Based Probiotic Yogurt

For those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, there are many plant-based options available. Many brands use almond, coconut, or soy milk as a base and still contain beneficial strains of probiotics. Some popular plant-based probiotic yogurt brands include Kite Hill, So Delicious, and Lavva.

How to Incorporate Probiotic Yogurt into Your Diet

There are many ways to incorporate probiotic yogurt into your diet, such as:

Adding it to smoothies for a creamy texture and added gut health benefits
Using it as a topping for oatmeal or granola
Eating it as a snack with fresh fruit or nuts
Using it as a replacement for sour cream in recipes

With so many delicious and convenient options, it’s easy to make probiotic yogurt a regular part of your diet and reap its many health benefits. So, why not make the switch today and boost your gut health.