Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium longum... In recent years, many Guangzhou residents have been keen on buying yogurt. Besides satisfying their taste, they also value the probiotics (also known as "active lactic acid bacteria") in yogurt, which other dairy products do not have. However, the various yogurts on the market mostly claim to have "unique formulas," with at least four types of bacteria listed on their packaging. So, how should consumers choose the yogurt that is right for them? Experts have proposed a "Three Do's and Three Don'ts" method for selection.
Choose Yogurt by Carefully Examining the Bacterial Strains
1. Do Identify the Variety Experts point out that there are many "yogurt drinks" on the market made from processed milk (powder), sugar, lactic acid (citric acid), flavorings, and preservatives. Because they contain dead bacteria, they do not have the health benefits of live bacteria found in real yogurt. Consumers should be careful to identify them when purchasing. "According to national regulations, the number of active lactic acid bacteria in active lactic acid beverages must be no less than 10 to the power of five. Therefore, when buying, consumers can first check for this label and whether the number of active lactic acid bacteria listed meets the standard."
2. Do Differentiate the Bacterial Strains The bacterial strains in yogurt determine its health value. Good strains can fully ferment the milk, resulting in a good taste. However, when a reporter visited major supermarkets in Guangzhou last week, they found a wide variety of yogurt and probiotic dairy drinks, with numerous types of probiotics listed. A consumer buying yogurt told the reporter that most of the bacterial strains listed on the packaging were ones they had never heard of, making it difficult to distinguish which products were truly what they wanted. In this regard, industry experts explained that most yogurts contain bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Of course, some yogurts also have bacterial strain formulas that consumers have never seen before, such as a certain brand's "Compound ABB Bacteria" listed on its Changqing yogurt packaging. "In fact, consumers are not 'unfamiliar' with these strains. For example, 'Compound ABB Bacteria' is a combination of several common strains. The 'A bacteria' in it is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which mainly helps regulate the small intestine and aids nutrient absorption. The 'BB bacteria' is a combination of Bifidobacterium animalis and Bifidobacterium longum, which can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, regulate normal intestinal peristalsis, and promote the body's digestion and absorption."
3. Do Choose from the Refrigerated Section According to experts, active lactic acid bacteria stop growing in an environment of 0°C to 7°C. Moreover, as the ambient temperature rises, the bacteria will multiply and die quickly. At this point, the yogurt becomes an acidic dairy product without live bacteria, and its nutritional value will be greatly reduced. After opening, it is best to drink the yogurt within 2 hours.
Homemade Yogurt
Do Not Take Yogurt with Medication
1. Do Not Heat Experts state that the active probiotics in yogurt will die in large numbers if heated or diluted with boiling water. Not only will their unique flavor disappear, but their nutritional value will also be completely lost. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers avoid any "processing" before drinking yogurt.
2. Do Not Take with Certain Medications Many people know that medicine cannot be taken with tea because it reduces the drug's effectiveness. However, few consumers know that taking medicine and yogurt together is also bad for the body. According to experts, antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and erythromycin, sulfonamide drugs, and some medications for treating diarrhea can kill or destroy the active probiotics in yogurt.
3. Do Not Drink Yogurt on an Empty Stomach Just like drinking regular milk on an empty stomach, drinking yogurt on an empty stomach is not necessarily harmful to your health, but it will weaken the health benefits that yogurt naturally provides. If you choose to drink yogurt after a meal, the probiotics can be fully effective, helping with intestinal peristalsis and resisting harmful bacteria, making the intestines healthier.