30 Reasons Why You Should Eat Live Yogurt/Probiotics

1. May Improve Digestion

Image source Yogurt in NutritionConsuming live yoghurt every day may help against indigestion and acid reflux which is great news if you are a sufferer.  It keeps your bowel movements regular and probiotics can assist in killing the harmful bacteria in the gut, thus makes our digestive system healthier.

2. Could Help Reduce Risk Of Cancer

Image source Dr WellA recent large study in the States, as well as numerous others over the past few years, have all indicated that probiotic or live yogurt may help reduce the risk of some cancers. Yoghurt has anti-carcinogenic properties and is thought to protect our body from bladder, colon and breast cancer.

3. Natural Immunity Booster

Image source HealthlineEaten regularly, preferably every day, yoghurt enhances our immune system and can protect our body from a variety of infections.  If you aren't a fan of taking daily vitamins and minerals, for whatever reason, then do yourself a favour and go down the live yogurt route.  The magnesium, selenium and zinc it contains can help boost your immunity.

4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels?

Image source Medical News TodayNo less than 13 research programmes indicated that consumption of live yogurt may well be associated with lower levels of glucose and insulin resistance.  Even home made yogurt could regulate blood sugar levels .  This is very good new for sufferers of type 2 diabetes.

5. Bone Health

Image source Yogurt in NutritionYoghurt, particularly live and probiotic, is a rich source of calcium and makes an ideal choice for improving bone health.  Regular consumption may preserve bone mass and strength, the outcome being that it could reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

6. Beneficial For High Blood Pressure And Risk of Heart Disease

Image source Johns Hopkins MedicineBesides enjoying this gut health yogurt as part of your breakfast, or mid morning/afternoon snack, eating yoghurt on a regular basis has shown to potentially help reduce blood pressure which is a major risk factor for diseases of the heart.  Little effort for worthwhile changes.

7. Could Reduce Inflammation

Image source Daily ExpressInflammation is responsible for most autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Whilst you shouldn't give up the medication provided by your health professional, as an added extra, consuming probiotic yogurt regularly can go towards reducing that inflammation in the body.

8. Reduces Appetite And Weight

Image source Times of IndiaForget the meals consisting of salads and the smallest of portions of food.  These won't satisfy your hunger but the high protein content in yoghurt makes you feel full and reduces your appetite.  So if you are consuming less calories then, bingo, the weight should start steadily going down.

9. Could Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Image source HealthlineConsuming yoghurt can reduce the number of antibodies produced by your immune system in response to any type of allergy. Probiotics present in yoghurt are responsible for this action and this is good news for hay fever sufferers who really feel the brunt in the summer months.

10. May Reduce Depression

Image source Yogurt in nutritionEven though you may be well aware that probiotic and live yogurts are good for gut health, they can go further than that.  They can help towards relieving the feelings associated with anxiety and stress.  Studies have reported that yogurt may also assist in combatting depression.

11. May Improve Teeth And Gums

Image source Delta DentalDrinking copious amounts of coffee each day may be beneficial in keeping you alert but your teeth aren't going to thank you as the enamel gradually becomes stained and your pearly whites suffer.  It is thought that the lactic acid in live yogurt may have a positive effect in protecting gums and teeth from future damage.

12. Pre/Post Workout Snack

Image source Fitness VaultThe carbohydrates in probiotic yogurt can help to fuel you through your workout and replace the energy that is lost. The potassium and sodium can also help to replace those electrolytes you sweat out.  Much healthier to go down this road than a heavy, refined sugary product.

13. May Prevent The Common Cold

Image source MasterClassThe common cold is always around and although not usually serious, it can still leave you feeling under the weather. One of the many benefits of live yogurt is that it has immune boosting effects and has been shown to make your T-cells, or cells that fight infection, stronger and more active.  This might prevent a bad cold.

14. Might Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Image source Office on Women's HealthDairy in general is a great resource for building up healthy bones because of its calcium content.  Live yogurt is a perfect way of getting that extra calcium.  It is low in fat and sugar, tastes great and all its goodness will seep right into your gut to give you lots of benefits.

15. Helps Prevent Yeast Infections

Image source Medical News TodayLadies, you may want to consider yogurt the next time you are given a prescription for antibiotics (using antibiotics may raises the chances of yeast infections). Yogurt’s active cultures can help balance pH levels and could prevent the uncomfortable yeast infection from starting.

17. Vaginal Health

Image source Daily SabahYour vagina contains large amounts of 'good' bacteria that helps protect you from the 'bad' bacteria that may enter your body. You can help increase levels of helpful bacteria through your diet and that should include probiotic yogurt. The good bacteria in yogurt may also help your vagina by balancing acid levels in your vaginal fluids

18. Less Constipation

Image source Smart NutritionYogurt contains probiotics, healthy bacteria naturally present in women's digestive tracts and this can improve digestive function. A study published in 2008 reported that regular consumption of probiotic-containing yogurt helps reduce constipation and the pain associated with constipation.

19. Fewer Deficiencies For Women

Image source Cleveland ClinicBecause yogurt is nutrient-dense, women who eat yogurt regularly may decrease their risk of developing nutrient deficiencies.  A study published in 2013 showed that women who consumed yogurt had higher potassium intakes and were less likely to have dietary deficiencies in vitamins B-12 and B-2, magnesium, calcium and zinc.

20. Gut Happy!

Image source The GuardianLive yogurt contains loads of probiotics which are the healthy bacteria that keep your gut operating at its optimal level. Not only is this great news for your digestion but having a healthy gut means better sleep, a well-oiled immune system, improved mood and even clearer skin.  Surely. we've sold it to you now!

21. Healthier Alternative In Recipes

Image source Stonyfield OrganicForget the misconception that yogurt can only be eaten at breakfast time!  It's great as an alternative for dips and brilliant when added to curries instead of full fat double cream.  Also, try it as a salad dressing, instead of your usual one and you'll end up getting hooked on it!

22.  Cheap Way To Get Protein

Image source HealthlineIf you are wanting to up your protein intake, either for health reasons, as part of a weight loss plan or just to fill you up more cheaply, especially in these difficult times we are living through, then buy a family size pot of live or probiotic yogurt, along with less chicken and turkey.  The result is your body gets lots of protein and you spend less on food!

23. Could Enhance Fertility In Females

Image source GoodToLive and probiotic yogurt are both rich in probiotics, calcium and vitamin D which all help to improve the ovulation process in a woman. Also, yogurt is rich in protein which helps to improve your chances of getting pregnant as it helps you to have more exact ovulation cycles.

24. Good For Pregnant Women

Image source BabyInfoDairy products, especially yogurt, are great choices for pregnant women. They can help you meet increased protein and calcium needs which occur during pregnancy.  Live yogurt contains folate, fibre, zinc, phosphorus, B-vitamins and probiotic cultures . Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy.

25. Induces Sleep

Image source Terry CralleLive yogurt contains tryptophan which is an amino acid that helps produce sleep-inducing and relaxing chemicals called melatonin and serotonin. Yogurt promotes the production of these chemicals which can have a calming effect on your brain to help you sleep well through the night.

26. Great For Lactose-Intolerant People

Image source The Daily AllianceProbiotic yoghurt is a great alternative for those who have trouble digesting milk. It would be untrue to say that yoghurt contains no lactose at all but if your lactose intolerance is not severe, you may be able to stomach yoghurt. If not, the lactose-free option is available so you can still get all that goodness.

27. Helps Fight Bad Breath

Image source TODAYPeople have long known that live yogurt has been linked to fighting bad breath but it wasn’t until recently that research found out why. During the digestive process in your stomach, hydrogen peroxide is created and some strains of bacteria found in yogurt can convert this into substances that fight a type of bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities.

28. Enhances Skin Health

Image source Live ScienceProbiotic yogurt could improve your skin’s strength and smoothness by providing it with essential nutrients. The proteins, vitamins and minerals found in it are converted into compounds that help increase collagen production.  This helps fight the signs of ageing and also skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

29. May Help With Nervous Disorders

Image source Daily ExpressYogurt contains over 600 milligrams of potassium in an 8 ounce serving and this mineral is essential for nerve health and balancing fluid in the body. As it's rich in good bacteria, it has the ability to enhance cognitive function. It may also help with chronic pain and nervous disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism.

30. Get The Best From Your Yogurt

Image source Cleveland ClinicIf there’s one thing to remember about yogurt, it’s that not all types are created equally.  If you want a healthy one, buy plain live/probiotic yogurt without added sugars or flavours. Stick with berries, as toppings, as they contain antioxidants and the essential vitamins your body needs to stay healthy.