By Claudia Collins
Overview
Significance of Greek Yogurt
Benefits of Probiotics
Friendly Bacteria
Theories/Speculation
Considerations
References
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/257915-probiotics-greek-yogurt/#ixzz1boDr8DCs
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Probiotics and Greek Yogurt
According to SPINS, a market-research firm for natural foods, the sales of Greek-style yogurt increased by 51 percent in 2009. Probiotics have been defined by the U.S. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as "live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host." Some probiotic foods date back to ancient times, such as yogurt and other cultured milk products.
Greek yogurt, sometimes referred to as strained yogurt, is growing in popularity in the United States. Greek yogurt is higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, thicker and creamier and lower in sodium content than regular yogurt, according to Dr. Christie Leong, M.D. Greek yogurt contains about double the protein and half of the carbohydrates and sodium of American-style yogurt. While both American and Greek yogurt contain probiotics, Greek yogurt is more concentrated and therefore has a higher percentage of probiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir and buttermilk. Probiotics means "for life." The most familiar probiotic-containing food in the U.S. is yogurt. According to the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), the potential gastrointestinal health benefits of probiotics include helping to alleviate diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, allergies and lactose intolerance. Probiotics may also enhance immune function and protect against colon and bladder cancer.
All bacteria are not harmful. A diverse and abundant bacteria population supports the gastrointestinal system. It is estimated that 10 trillion bacteria live in a healthy gastrointestinal system. Probiotics are sometimes referred to as "friendly" or "good" bacteria. Friendly bacteria are vital for three main purposes: ensuring proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, ensuring proper development of the immune system and protecting against microorganisms which cause disease.
Research studies are ongoing to explore how probiotics can benefit gastrointestinal health. Studies are being conducted to determine if probiotics could be helpful in preventing kidney stones, treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, treating infectious diarrhea, treating diarrhea in undernourished children in third world countries, preventing stomach and respiratory infections that commonly occur in daycare, preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease, and preventing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis, according to CAST.
There is limited evidence of the benefits and uses of probiotics, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Always be sure to discuss any alternative or complimentary medicine practices that you are using with your doctor or health care provider. Persons with immune disease need to take special precautions when using probiotics, especially in the supplement form. When considering which yogurt to buy, both standard and Greek have benefits and both are healthful alternatives to high calorie desserts.
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