Probiotics are beneficial bacteria in our bodies systems that are also contained in certain dairy foods. Probiotics have a known link to building up the body’s immune system, with studies dating back to the early 1900s of cultured and culture-containing dairy foods and their health benefits. At that time, Elias Metchnikoff, in his book The Prolongation of Life, associated the intake of large quantities of Bulgarian fermented milk with long life.
Today, researchers continue to investigate the therapeutic role of probiotic bacteria (i.e., beneficial bacterial cultures such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) in dairy foods.
Here are some of the health benefits associated with probiotics and cultured dairy foods, which you can enjoy by drinking Clover Organic Farms Kefir or eating Clover Yogurt:
- Improved Tolerance to Milk. A number of studies demonstrate that the intake of yogurt enhances lactose digestion in those with low levels of lactase, the enzyme necessary to digest lactose or milk’s sugar. The lower lactose content of some cultured dairy foods compared to milk may contribute to this improved tolerance, along with the presence of live, active starter cultures in these foods. These cultures, used in the making of yogurt and kefir, produce lactase which can help digest lactose and contribute to the improved tolerance of milk for those with cow’s milk allergy/sensitivity as well as helping to prevent allergies to other foods.
- Intestinal Health. Yogurt with specific strains of live active cultures, such as Lactobacillus strain GG, have been shown to help maintain normal intestinal balance, suppress harmful bacteria and prevent intestinal distress*
- Protection Against Ulcers. Specific strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus may protect against stomach ulcers by suppressing the growth of ulcer-inducing bacteria.*
- Lower Cholesterol. Studies suggest a link between the intake of cultured dairy foods and lower cholesterol levels. In a study of older adults, consumption of about 1 cup of yogurt with live cultures per day for one year prevented an increase of total and LDL cholesterol.*
- Anti-cancer Effects. The lactic acid bacteria in cultured dairy foods may protect against colorectal and breast cancer. Specific bacterial strains of Lactobacillus have been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells and the incidence of carcinogenic enzymes in the development of colon cancer in animals.*
- Enhanced Immunity. Eating yogurt may improve some of the body’s immune defense responses. When adults consumed 1 cup of yogurt with live cultures per day for one year, allergic symptoms decreased.*
*See: http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org for more information on the studies investigating the health benefits of probiotics
