Yogurt is said to have natural probiotics, which means that it contains live and active cultures that are highly beneficial to health. There is regular yogurt that contains natural probiotics (Lactobacillus bugaricus and Steptococcus thermophilus) and then yogurt that is marketed as probiotic – these yogurts have a third strain of probiotic (L. acidophilus).

Probiotics are known to aid in digestion of certain nutrients in the human body.  Lactobacillus acidophilus helps with the absorption of the B vitamins and vitamin K, along with fatty acids and minerals such as calcium. Probiotics also have a tendency to reduce the inflammatory response to dairy products and help the body digest lactose.

Probiotics also promote beneficial bacteria and inhibit ‘bad’ bacteria by producing organic acids that don’t allow them to grow. Probiotic bacteria lower the pH of the intestine, which makes it a hostile environment for other bacteria that have been proven to be detrimental to the body.  Yogurt rich in probiotics is also said to fortify the immune system and helps to increase resistance to immune-related diseases.

The primary food source of probiotics in America is dairy products, which is why yogurt has proven to be one of the best sources, since it’s a fermented product that comes from milk. – it’s actually is made by adding bacterial cultures to the milk, which causes the formation of the sugar and lactose found in milk to become lactic acid. This process gives yogurt the tart flavor and pudding-like texture.

Yogurt has plenty of other benefits including aiding in weight loss, helping to increase bone density and growth, helping to prevent and heal arthritis and enhancing good cholesterol over the bad.