Is Yogurt Good for You? Health Benefits of Yogurt with Live Cultures

Is Yogurt Good for You and Why?

“Healthy eating” is such a familiar buzzword but trying to sort through the overload of information out there can be a minefield! With so many options, there are loads of excellent sources of nutrition we may end up ignoring. And then there are some “regular” foods that have hidden benefits we may not even be aware of.  Enter yogurt! Creamy and delicious yes, but is yogurt good for you? The good news: yogurt can be beneficial for your health if you’re choosing the ones packed with live yogurt cultures in the right amount. So how are some yogurts good for you? Read on to find the answers!


More on why yogurts are awesome

It is true that all yogurts are an excellent source of calcium, and calcium is good for your bones and teeth[1]. A lesser known fact is that calcium also helps in the normal function of your digestive enzymes. But if we look beyond calcium, we often hear people throwing around the phrase ‘live yogurt’. Well, that’s because yogurts, by virtue of their preparation process, contain live yogurt ferments or cultures. The creation of yogurts is a fantastic play of fermentation, involving tiny microorganisms (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus).

But not all yogurts with live cultures are equal. Some have these live cultures in quantities exceeding 108 CFU/g and that’s when these ferments begin to have specific health benefits, and can be called ‘probiotics’[2]. According to WHO, probiotics are good bacteria, which, when consumed in adequate quantities, confer a health benefit on the host. Wondering what health benefit can adequate amounts of yogurt ferments bring for you? Well they break down the lactose in the milk and help you better the remaining one in the product, which is particularly beneficial if you have difficulties digesting lactose.


Activia – Yogurt that’s full of life

Full of life, Activia is a delicious example of yogurt with billions of probiotics! But that’s not all – it goes beyond the probiotic cultures and comes with billions of Bifidus cultures too! And these Bifidus cultures are known to reach your gut alive, unlike in many other yogurts where the cultures don’t necessarily survive the journey from pot to belly.

In fact, what makes Activia unique is that it contains a unique mix of 5 strains of live cultures, as opposed to just the 2 traditional strains of ferments that all yogurts have.

This glorious mix of strains such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and Lactococcus lactis, is what gives Activia its lusciously creamy texture in each spoonful!


Fill up with life

If you’re not a fan of plain yogurts, why not spice things up with nutritious fruits like raspberries and blueberries - great little helpers packed with vitamins. You could also toss in a few grains like flaxseed or chia seeds. A great way to help increase your fibre intake too!

When we’re rushed for time, something quick and easy like a great-tasting yogurt drink is a fantastic option. You may want to consider blending some seasonal berries with your favourite flavour of Activia for delicious smoothies in the morning. You can also be more adventurous and try adding spinach or kale to your apple-yogurt smoothie! There you go – adding billions of helpful bacteria to your morning ritual can be as easy as 1-2-3, thanks to Activia!


So, why is yogurt good for you?

Long story short, yogurts with probiotics are great for you. There’s no silver bullet for good health – but a balanced diet and active lifestyle are as close as it gets. Yogurts are a perfect inclusion to your balanced diet because of their versatility, and important nutrients such as calcium and protein. Yogurts bouncing with probiotics can only be an asset for your health.


[1] Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.
[2] Live cultures in yogurt or fermented milk improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.

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2021 Danone Ltd. All Rights Reserved. *Activia contains calcium which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

†Contains naturally occurring sugars.

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