The Type and Amount of Cultures in Weight Watchers Yogurt
Weight Watchers offers 13 different yogurt flavors, each one consists of four types of cultures.These are L-Acidophilus and Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium Longum and S. Thermophilus. Cultures often referred to as live cultures are "good" bacteria found in cultured dairy products such as, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream and kefir. These cultures are called probiotics; Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are the most commons strains of probotics.
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L-Acidophilus
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Lactobacilli Acidophilus produces vitamin K, anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, lactocidin, acidolphilin and bacteriocin; known to prevent and treat vaginal yeast over growth which causes vaginal infections. It also aids in boosting the immune system and improving gastrointestinal functions.
Bulgaricus
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Bulgaricus is often useds as a culture starter to prepare yogurt. Bulgaricus produces an enzyme called lactase, which aids in the digestion of dairy products. The culture Bulgaricus also provides yogurt with the creamy consistency and enhances the flavor of the overall product. Bulgaricus is also labeled as L. Bulgaricus on some dairy products; it is part of the Lactobacilli family of cultures.
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Bifidobacterium Longum
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Bifidobacterium, also known as Bifidum, helps to eliminate yeast and gastrointestinal infections; it also reduces and helps to prevent intestinal inflammation. Bifidobacterium Longum ferments sugars into lactic acid, which makes dairy products tolerable for individuals who are lactose intolerance. Medical doctors often recommend bacterial supplements such as Bifidobacterium and L. Acidophilus to patients who have various digestive problems.
S. Thermophilus
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The culture S. Thermophilus (Streptococcus Thermophilus) provides yogurt with its texture and body. It also gives yogurt the tart aftertaste. S. Thermophilus contains high levels of lactase enzymes to aid in the digestion of dairy-based products.
The cultures in Weight Watchers yogurt are a vital part of the human diet; they reduce the growth of harmful bacteria that causes gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, bloating and constipation.
Cultures for IBS
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Claims have been made about the benefits cultures offer for treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome); however, more scientific research is underway to investigate this claim.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit weight watchers.com
