Best Lactose Free Igo Probio Immuni
- Per serving : 80 calories, 2.5 g fat , 50 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 3 g protein
- Probiotic strains: 1 Billion+ BB-12® Bidobacterium Lactis
This yogurt has no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavours, and is gluten-free. It contains more than 1 billion active probiotic cultures per 100 gram serving and comes in 4 flavours- strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and vanilla.
It contains zero lactose, making it a great option for people with sensitivities or allergies, however it is important to keep in mind that since it is flavoured, it has a higher sugar content than other plain options.
Cocojune Organic Pure Cultured Coconut
Per 4 oz., plain: 190 calories, 18 g fat , 2 g sugar,2 g protein
Cocojune is one of Middleberg’s favorite plant-based yogurts. This organic coconut-based yogurt is made with vegan probiotic cultures and contains Bifidobacterium Anim. S. Lactis Bb-12, Lactobacillus Acidophilus La-5, Lactobacillus Paracasei Crl 431 Lactobacillus Del. S. Bulgaricus, Streptococcus Thermophilus.
“It’s a wonderful addition to the diet if avoiding dairy and looking to improve gut health,” Middleberg says.
Buy it: Price: $2.99
How To Choose The Best Probiotic Yogurt
Overwhelmed in the yogurt aisle? There are two main things to look for on a label. First, make sure it says contains live and active cultures,saysDana Eshelman, R.D.N., dietitian and founder of A Dash of Dana Nutrition Coaching. Then, pay attention to the sugar contentsome yogurts can contain more sugar than a bowl of ice cream!
The bad bacteria in your gut thrive on sugar, Eshelman explains. So, going overboard on sugar can cause the bad bacteria to outnumber the good, leading to inflammation and even chronic disease. Sure, the probiotics help, but why make it work harder? Experts agree that not all yogurts are good probiotic sources, so weve gathered the ones you can count on to keep your gut healthy .
This coconut-based yogurt which contains 50 billion probiotics in each serving. Theres also a dash of Himalayan salt and cassava root in each cup which balances out its flavor and creamy texture.
Nutrition serving:140 calories, 11 g fat , 65 mg sodium, 9 g carbs , 2 g protein
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Lifeway Probiotic Low Fat Plain Kefir
Kefir balances your bodys ecosystem, and supports digestive health and immunity. According to Dr. Powell, âKefir is yogurts drinkable, thinner, and tarter version made by fermenting kefir grains. Kefir has a larger variety of beneficial probiotics compared to yogurt, too.â
Lifeway Kefir is a creamy and delicious yogurt-like smoothie that helps keep digestive and immune systems intact, prevents common side effects from taking antibiotics, and helps those who are lactose intolerant or trying to lose weight.
The Benefits Of Yogurt
Have you noticed that the yogurt section of most grocery stores has practically taken over the dairy aisle? Itâs getting harder to find more traditional dairy foods, such as cottage cheese and sour cream, amid the sea of yogurt options. But it only makes sense that a food with as many health benefits as yogurt be given prime real estate in the supermarket.
And just what are the health benefits of yogurt?
First off, let us not forget that yogurt comes from milk. So yogurt eaters will get a dose of animal protein , plus several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium.
But one of the words we’re hearing more and more of regarding yogurt is “probiotics.” Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that are naturally present in the digestive system. Live strains of these “good bacteria” are also found in many yogurt products. While more research needs to be done, there’s some evidence that some strains of probiotics can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Regardless of this dispute, the health benefits of yogurt are so impressive that many health-conscious people make it a daily habit. And each year, more and more research is published adding insight into the health benefits from eating yogurt.
Here are six possible health benefits to having some yogurt each day:
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You Can Make Frozen Yogurt Relatively Healthybut Its All In How You Indulge
Of course, you can totally still treat yourself to tangy froyo just keep your wits about you when you do.
If youre at a self-serve froyo joint, first, opt for the froyo variety with the least fat and sugar, recommends Nguyen. Typically, original, plain yogurt will be your best bet.
If they have plain, non-fat Greek froyo, though, go for that. The nutrition profile is even better, with approximately 0 grams of fat, 14 grams of sugar, and six grams of protein, which helps slow our absorption of sugar, Nguyen says.
Once youve selected a solid yogurt base, dont let the size of the serving spoon or bowl deceive you into overfilling, says Geerts. A proper portion size is half a cup, or four ounces.
From there, top your froyo with fresh fruits and plain nuts to bump up the nutrients and protein. If youre into PB, opt for natural peanut butter instead ofpeanut butter sauce, suggests Nguyen. Need more sweetness? Add a touch of honey.
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Do Activia Products Have Side Effects
There have been no adverse effects or side effects reported in the studies we have done on Activia when 1 to 3 containers are eaten per day as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. However, the Activia benefit is associated with regular consumption and ceases 2-3 weeks after discontinuation of consumption. If you are not happy with the impact on your system, the effect will end after you stop eating the product.
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Is It Ok To Freeze Activia Yogurt
You can freeze a cup of yogurt. A cup of yogurt that has been frozen and thawed will have a different look and texture than fresh yogurt. The cultures become dormant when frozen, but once thawed either in the refrigerator or by your body heat when ingested they will become live and active once again.
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Calcium Is Key To Keeping Healthy
Another benefit of Greek yogurt is that its high in calcium. Calcium is key to building strong muscles and helping your vital organs function. Your body also doesnt produce calcium on its own. Without enough calcium, children may not grow as tall as possible and adults can be at risk for osteoporosis.
A serving of Greek yogurt has 18.7 percent of your daily value for calcium.
Greek yogurt is an excellent option for older adults who want to maintain their bone health. Its also ideal because its convenient and easy to eat, especially for those who have trouble chewing.
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Probiotics Vs Live Active Cultures
The World Health Organisation define probiotics as follows…
Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.
Therefore, to be a called probiotic, live bacteria should fulfill the following criteria:
Lets expand on this.
Many unpasteurized yogurts claim to be probiotic but provide no information about the type live bacteria and how it’s beneficial. If there isn’t a specific health benefit, technically it isn’t probiotic.
Also, many nutritionists consider that live active cultures are only probiotic if they reach the intestinal tract alive.
It seems, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus are not probiotic because they’re destroyed by our stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes and can’t provide a beneficial effect on the intestinal tract.
However, due to their high lactase activity, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus can improve lactose digestion and eliminate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Starter cultures don’t have a beneficial effect on the intestinal tract but their beneficial effect on lactase digestion meets the current definition of a probiotic.
To be truly probiotic, manufacturers enrich their yogurt with specific strains of beneficial bacteria.
These strains are able to survive the journey through the stomach and reach the intestinal tract alive to convey a benefit.
What To Look For In A Probiotic Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of these bacteria. But when it comes to probiotics, not all yogurts are created equally. Here are the factors to consider when perusing the yogurt options at the store:
- Live and active cultures:“To receive the health benefits, it’s important that the organisms in your yogurt are alive and active during their shelf life,” says Ashley Baumohl, MPH, RD, a clinical dietitian at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. To that end, in January 2021, the FDA specified that yogurts must identify if they contain live and active cultures or not. “Seeing that stamp of live cultures means that that yogurt contains, at a minimum, billions of colony-forming units per gram , a scientific way of measuring bacterial load,” Baumohl says.
- Zero or minimal additives: You’ll want to look for artificial sweeteners, stabilizers, added sugar and color and flavor additives in the ingredient list and try to avoid them, Middleberg says. “These ingredients negatively impact the gut microflora.” Your best bet: a short ingredient list, Middleberg says.
- Low or no added sugar: Go for plain yogurt when you can, and sweeten it yourself with fresh or dried fruit. If you’re choosing a flavored yogurt, try to aim for under 8 grams of added sugar.
Here’s a look at some of the best probiotic yogurts pull up this list next time you’re feeling daunted by the wall of options in the grocery store’s dairy section.
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Redwood Hill Farm Goat Milk Yogurt
Per 3/4 cup, plain: 120 calories, 6 g fat , 5 g sugar, 6 g protein
Middleberg recommends this yogurt, noting that goat milk is more digestible than cow’s milk. Both cow’s and goat’s milk contain lactose, but goat cheese seems to be easier on the digestive system than cheese made from cow’s milk, per Sutton Health.
A serving contains 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of sugar. The yogurt contains these live and active cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus and Bifidus.
Buy it: Price: $6.99
So Does Freezing Kill Any Bacteria And Other Germs
Freezing kills some amount of bacteria and germs, but usually, most of them enter a dormant state and stay alive in the frozen food or liquid. These bacteria are not killed. After thawing they come to life and begin to multiply. However, a lot depends on the species of bacteria and the freezing process itself.
Now lets see the details:
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How Long Does Thawed Sauerkraut Last
Sauerkraut thawed overnight in the refrigerator will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. That is why this is the safest and most recommended method for thawing frozen sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut that is thawed using a cool bowl of water must be consumed immediately. However, you can store any excess thawed sauerkraut in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Limited Number Of Probiotic Strains
The human gut contains over 500 strains and our body thrives on having a diverse range of beneficial bacteria colonizing our microbiome.
But, take a look at most yogurts and you’ll be lucky to find more than two or three varieties.
Contrast that with a quality probiotic supplement that is formulated to provide you with an array of probiotic strains in optimum amounts to support a healthy gut.
The human gut contains over 500 beneficial bacterial strains and this diversity is what your body thrives on.
What’s more, research tells us that multiple probiotic strains are more effective at promoting digestive health due to the symbiotic relationships between strains. It seems probiotics work better as a team.
Don’t get me wrong, yogurt is a great place to start. However, due to the random selection of bacterial strains yogurt is not the best choice to address targeted health goals.
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Our Pick For Best Overall Activia
- Per serving : 120 calories, 5 g fat , 80 mg sodium, 10 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 9 g protein
- Probiotic strain: B.L. Regularis / Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010
- Studied benefits: improve regularity, as well as decrease stomach pain and bloating in those with irritable bowel syndrome
Activia offers a range of different products including lactose-free yogurt, a yogurt drink, and even yogurt with added fibre. Activia yogurt provides 10 billion active probiotic cultures per serving, and carries a plain flavour that does not contain added sugar.
Dannon Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain
Nutrition:5.3 oz, 80 calories, 0 g fat , 50 mg sodium, 6 g carbs , 15 g protein, 15% DV calcium
If youre choosing plain, Oikos gets the green light from us. Low sugar, high protein: thats the winning combo in any yogurt. Just steer clear of their fruit flavors: Blackberry has more sugar than actual blackberries and Pomegranate uses questionable additives potassium sorbate and calcium lactate. As Middleberg explains, These additives most likely contain synthetic pesticides. Potassium sorbate has been known to cause skin allergies like eczema and calcium lactate can lead to digestive issues. Which doesnt sound like great news if youve been searching,how to get rid of bloating.
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Benefit No : Yogurt With Active Cultures May Help The Gut
While more study is needed, there’s some evidence that yogurt with active cultures may help certain gastrointestinal conditions, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- H. pylori infection
That’s what researchers from the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University concluded in a review article. The benefits are thought to be due to:
- Changes in the microflora of the gut
- The time food takes to go through the bowel.
- Enhancement of the body’s immune system .
In another recent study, the type of diarrhea that some people get after taking antibiotics was found to be reduced when the study participants drank a drink containing three particular probiotics .
Dannon Oikos Triple Zero
I cant tell you how many people have been misled by the name of this diet yogurt. The name makes people think its a free food. It still has calories. It still has sugar . And though it says it has zero artificial sweeteners, it has stevia, a nonnutritive sweetener. There is a lot of conflicting evidence out there regarding all nonnutritive sweeteners, including the non-artificial ones. At this time, I recommend avoiding them if possible.
In addition, this yogurt has added chicory root fiber for 6g fiber . Just bewarethis might have the same effect on your *ahem* bowel regimen as a FiberOne bar.
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Benefit No : Yogurt May Help You Feel Fuller
A study from the University of Washington in Seattle tested hunger, fullness, and calories eaten at the next meal on 16 men and 16 women who had a 200-calorie snack. The snack was either:
- Semisolid yogurt containing pieces of peach and eaten with a spoon
- The same yogurt in drinkable form
- A peach-flavored dairy beverage
- Peach juice
Although those who had the yogurt snacks did not eat fewer calories at the next meal, both types of yogurt resulted in lower hunger ratings and higher fullness ratings than either of the other snacks.
Does Yogurt Contain Good Probiotics
Daily consumption of probiotic foods, such as certain yogurt and cultured dairy drinks containing probiotics, may be good for you in one of the following ways:
They may help support your digestive system by providing a regular source of “friendly” bacteria for the intestinal tract.1
They may help to maintain the balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract.2
2.
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Encouraging Good Mental Health
Research suggests that consuming probiotic yogurt is beneficial for a persons mental health.
A found that workers who ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt a day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced less stress, depression, and anxiety than those who did not.
This to the relationship between the gut and brain, and the ability of the gut to make neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Does Greek Yogurt Have Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms or good bacteria that are ingested into the body, typically through foods or supplements. Research has revealed evidence that probiotics may help treat gastrointestinal problems, improve the immune system, treat/prevent yeast infections, lower blood pressure, fend off bacterial infections, aid in curing urinary tract infections, prevent early age eczema, and aid in weight loss for women. Note that probiotics need to be taken routinely for the health benefits to be realized.
It is not guaranteed that all Greek yogurt brands have probiotics. When shopping for yogurt, look for Greek yogurt having the verbiage live and active cultures on the label. You can see by the Dannon Oikos label below that their brand meets the National Yogurt Association criteria for live and active culture yogurt.
According to the NYA website, their Live & Active Culture seal program includes All yogurt manufacturers whose refrigerated products contain at least 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture, and whose frozen products contain 10 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture. This level was based on a survey of leading research scientists involved in clinical studies of the health attributes associated with live and active culture yogurt. The seal appears on yogurt packages and indicates this level of live and active cultures is present in the product.
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