Boost digestive system

Some yogurts contain live bacteria, or probiotics, as part of the initial culture or added after pasteurization. They can bring many benefits to the digestive system. Unfortunately, however, many yogurts are pasteurized, which applies a heat treatment to kill all types of bacteria including the beneficial bacteria in the milk.

To make sure your yogurt still contains digestive-healthy probiotics, look for one that contains live, active probiotics, which must be listed on the product's label. Certain types of probiotics found in yogurts, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, have been shown to reduce uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder affecting affect the colon. A study had irritable bowel syndrome patients regularly drink fermented milk or yogurt containing Bifidobacteria. After just 3 weeks, they reported significant improvements in bloating and bowel frequency. Another study found that yogurt containing Bifidobacteria improved digestive symptoms and health-related quality of life in women without digestive diseases. What's more, some studies have also found that probiotics can protect against antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as well as constipation.