Probiotics are best known for their ability to boost immune system function, aid digestion, control harmful microorganisms, and help absorb nutrients. However, research shows that probiotics enter the body through fermented dairy products and can also be a useful way to control weight, blood sugar, bone health, and improve the cardiovascular system, and more.
Weight management
Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges in America. Recent studies have linked the use of probiotics and yogurt to weight loss. In a study conducted in 2018 on 957 people over three to twelve weeks; Showed that the use of probiotics leads to a significant reduction in body weight and fat percentage.
Another study in the United States was conducted on 120,877 American men and women to examine the effect of eating individual foods on weight gain in people over 24 years of age. Consumption of potato and potato chips, processed meat, and sweetened beverages with sugar was associated with significant weight gain, while consumption of one serving of yogurt per day resulted in an average weight loss of 0.82 pounds per year. This study did not determine whether the yogurt consumed was probiotic. However, some standard yogurt cultures consider Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus to be probiotics because they work to improve health and increase lactose tolerance. Dariush Mozaffarian, an American cardiologist and epidemiologist, is the author of this study; He noted that when sweet and plain yogurts were compared: ‘’each was associated with relative weight loss, although when sweetened, half of the benefits of yogurt were lost.’’
Controlling blood glucose
Another major health problem in the United States is type 2 diabetes. Two systematic studies demonstrate the benefits of probiotics in this area. A 2016 study evaluated the effects of probiotics on blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. The authors of this study, when compared with the control group, found that pre-breakfast (fasting) sugar was significantly lower with probiotic intake. A meta-analysis of 17 studies in 2015 showed that probiotic consumption significantly reduced fasting glucose, fasting plasma insulin, and insulin resistance compared with controls.
Bone health
Osteoporosis, followed by the risk of bone fractures, is a major concern for postmenopausal women. A Canadian analysis in 2019 of two fermented products; Compared yogurt and cheese and their effect on bone health. A meta-analysis of 102,819 women confirmed that higher yogurt intake was associated with a reduced risk of pelvic fractures.
Cardiovascular health
Published in 2019, an Australian study followed women aged 45-50 years at baseline in 2001 through five surveys until 2016. The results revealed that a high intake of yogurt and total fermented dairy was associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk than observed in the lowest tertile of dairy product intake.
Common cold
Although not as serious as other health issues, respiratory infections such as the flu are annoying, but often lead to unnecessary prescriptions and gradually affect employee productivity. A study published in 2019 reported two analyses of the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the incidence and duration of respiratory infections, the number of antibiotic courses, and staff absenteeism days.
Yogurt and kefir are the most common sources of probiotics. However, fermented dairy products provide high protein, essential minerals and vitamins, and probiotics that can promote health in many ways.
Reference:
https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/94089-probiotic-yogurt-can-help-with-weight-management-and-more
