Probiotics drinks are defined as drinks which contain live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The criteria for selecting the best probiotics include being safe for human use, able to survive transit through the gastro intestinal tract and having physiological capacity to provide health benefits. Some probiotics are usually acid tolerant bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and bifido bacteria, and are available in the form functional foods (e.g. yogurts, fermented milks, juices) or as tablets, capsules or powders. (Oxford Handbook of Nutrition and Dietetics)
1) Diarrhea
Nutrition probiotics are useful in the prevention and treatment of several gastro intestinal disorders such as infectious diarrhea, antibiotic diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea. One study in the Journal of pediatrics concluded that Lactobacillus species are a safe and effective form of treatment of children with infectious diarrhea.
2) Brain function.
Probiotics may be beneficial for brain function. In addition, probiotic bacteria might have the potential to change brain neurochemistry and treat anxiety and depression-related disorders according to a study published in the journal proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
3) Blood pressure
Some studies have found that milk fermented with strains of LAB may help lower blood pressure.
4) Infections
A study published in prestigious scientific journal PNAS found that probiotic bacteria can protect against bacterial infection in the body.
5) Helps prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotics may help reduce bloating and flatulence in some people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).IBS a chronic gastro intestinal disorder with no identified structural pathology. It affects all ages and races. Symptoms may overlap with other GI disorders which include abdominal pain or discomfort that is:
Either relieved by defecation or associated with altered bowel frequency or stool form and
Has at least two of the following symptoms.
6) Probiotics may help if you are lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem in which the body is unable to digest lactose (a type of sugar found mainly in milk and dairy products. Some studies have found that certain probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus may help to reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, which include stomach cramps, flatulence and diarrhea. (NHS Choices)
7) Probiotics can help you lose weight and belly fat.
It is thought that certain probiotics may inhibit the absorption of dietary fat, increasing the amount of fat excreted with feces. In other words they make you “harvest” fewer calories from the foods in your diet. Certain bacteria such as those from the Lactobacillus family have been found to function in this way.
Probiotics may also fight in obesity in other ways.
Release of GLP-1: probiotics may help release of satiety (appetite-reducing)hormone GLP-1,increased levels of this hormone help burn calories.
Increase of ANGPTL4: probiotics may increase levels of protein ANGPTL4.This may lead to decreased fat storage.(https://authoritynutrition.com)
Yogurt is a cultured milk product. In the UK it is made from cow’s milk but goats or ewes milk can also be used. Yogurt is divided into two categories according to it’s consistency and method of manufacture:
Yogurt can be made from milk in any of the following forms:
The taste and texture of yogurt can be brought about by the carefully controlled addition of a special harmless bacteria culture. The bacteria used belong to the lactic acid bacteria group which ferments the disaccharide sugar lactose in milk. Under the right conditions temperature. The bacteria used are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophillus (Food and Nutrition).
Yogurt contains all the nutrients found in the milk from which it is made, plus any that are added in the form of fruit, sucrose and vitamins.Low fat yogurt contains the following nutrients(with approximate percentages)
Type of yogurt
| Nutrient | Fruit | Flavored | Plain |
| Water | 75% | 80% | 86% |
| Protein | 4.8% | 5% | 5% |
| Fat | 1.0% | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Minerals | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| Lactose | 3.3% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
| Other sugars | 14.6% | 9.2% | 1.6% |
Below is an infographic by Dr. Axe listing 10 proven health benefits of yogurt
Kevita Sparkling probiotic Drinks are light and refreshing with a delicious fruit taste. Fermented with proprietary water kefir culture, every bottle has 4 strains and 4 billion CFUs of live probiotics.
Purified water, Kevita probiotic Culture(Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Lactobacillus plantarum),Cane sugar, Apple cider Vinegar, Sarsaparilla Whole Plant Extract, Natural Root Beer Spice Flavor, Caramel color,Astragalus Root Extract, Ginger Whole Plant Extract, Cinnamon Whole Plant extract, Vanilla Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Lactic Acid(fermented) and Certified Organic Ingredient.
Serving size: 240ml
Serving per container: About 2
Calories 40
Total fat 0g
Sodium 15mg
Total carbs 11g
Sugars 9g
Protein 0g
Not a significant source of calories from fat, saturated fat, Trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, C, calcium or Iron.
It is a variety of fermented lightly effervescent sweetened black or green tea drinks that are commonly intended as functional beverages for their supposed health benefits.
Kombucha is produced by the fermentation of tea and sugar along with bacteria and yeasts forming tea fungus .While green tea can be used, black tea and white sugar seem to work best
Calories 30
Fat 0g
Sodium 4g
Carbohydrates 7g
Sugars 4g
Protein 0g (tonicakombucha.com).
It is a probiotic dairy product made by fermenting a mixture of skimmed milk with a special strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus Casei Shirota.
Water, sugar, skim milk powder, glucose, natural flavors and Lactobacillus Casei Shirota.
Calories 50
Total fat 0g
Saturated fat 0g
Trans fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 20mg
Total carbohydrates 12g
Dietary fiber 0g
Sugars 11g
Proteins 1g
Calcium 20mg (www.yakultsa.com)
It is a traditional Korean manufactured by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria(LAB).Kimchi is regarded as a source of LAB and the fermentative byproducts from the functional ingredients significantly boost its functionality.(Journal of medicinal food)
Cabbage,garlic,ginger,asian fish source, distilled white vinegar,scallions,sesame seeds, coarse Korean hot red-pepper flakes and Asian pear.
Calories 150
Carbohydrates 24g
Fat 5g
Protein 8g
Saturated fat1g
Sodium 937mg
PUFA 2g
Fiber 8g
MUFA 1g
It is a traditional soy product originating from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soy beans into a cake form.
Organic soybeans, water, shoyu soy sauce, molasses, maple syrup, natural smoke flavor, autolyzed yeast extract, salt, organic apple cider vinegar, starter culture (rhizopus oligosporus).
Amount per serving
Calories 130
Saturated fat 0.5g
Trans fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 300mg
Total carbohydrates 17g
Dietary fiber 5g
Sugars 3g
Fiber 12g (www.tofurky.com)
Miso is one of the main-stays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in microbiotic cooking as a digestive regulator.
Fermented rye,beans,rice or barley, adding a tablespoon of Miso to some hot water makes an excellent, quick probiotic rich soup ,full of Lactobacilli and bifidus bacterial(www.globalhealingcenter.com)
Miso is a good source of protein and fiber. It is also high in various vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients including Vitamin K, manganese and copper.
It is a fermented probiotic milk drink similar to yogurt. This fermented dairy product is a unique combination of goat’s milk and fermented kefir grains. It is high in Lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants.
Kefir grains-they are not cereal grains but rather cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast that look abit like cauliflower.
Cow’s or goat’s milk.
It is made from fermented cabbage (and sometimes other vegetables).It is not only extremely rich in healthy live cultures, but may also help with reducing allergy symptoms. It is also a rich source of vitamins B, A, E and C.
Also known gherkins are cucumbers that have been pickled in a solution of water and salt. They are left to ferment for sometime using their own naturally present lactic acid bacteria. This process is what makes them sour. Pickled cucumbers are a great source of healthy probiotic bacteria which may improve digestive health.
They are low in calories and a good source of vitamin K an essential nutrient for blood clotting they also tends to be high in sodium.
It is another fermented soybean product like Tempeh and miso.It contains a bacterial strain called Bacillus subtilis.It is staple in Japanese kitchens. It is typically mixed with rice and served with breakfast. It has a distinctive smell, slimy texture and strong flavor.
It is rich in protein and vitamin K2 which is important for bone health and cardiovascular health.
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