Probiotics are naturally occurring live bacteria found in foods – from fermented veggies like kimchi or sauerkraut to live-cultured yogurt. Probiotics are added to various high-end dark chocolates and are available in the form of supplements.
Probiotics means “promoting life” or “for life”. Though it sounds great, you may still wonder: are these just another form of promotion or there are evidence behind the benefits of probiotics?
Although it’s far from being a cure, probiotics have health benefits that may take you by surprise.
Cholesterol
A minor study reported at a latest AHA scientific meeting have found out that a certain strain of probiotics from dairy and meat known as Lactobacillus reuteri can lower levels lf LDL in participants by about 12% more as compared to a group taking placebo. Total cholesterol was reduced by 9%.
Oral Health
According to studies, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri eradicates the bacteria that leads to tooth decay and reduces the bad effects of gingivitis.
Having a full mouth of teeth and reduced bleeding gums are the top two reasons to include probiotics in your daily menu.
Diarrhea
A study conducted at Harvard Medical School suggests that consumption of probiotics can aid in decreasing episodes of diarrhea.
For example, a clinical review conducted last 2012 and published in JAMA has found out that people who consumed probiotics along with antibiotics were 42% less likely to acquire diarrhea as compared to people who took the placebo.
Eczema
A recent study circulated in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found out that babies may reduce the chance of getting eczema may profit from their mother’s intake of probiotics.
Mothers who are prone to allergies with eczema were provided with probiotics two months before they gave birth and in the first 2 months of breastfeeding. The babies, who were evaluated during 6, 12 and 24 months, exhibited a substantial decrease in their risk of getting the skin inflammation.
Immunity
By consuming foods high in probiotics and keeping a good intestinal flora, an individual can also aid in maintaining a healthy immune system. And that has great effects: for instance, in a small study conducted on students, those given with a fermented dairy drink as an alternative for milk showed improved production of lymphocytes – an indicator of immune response.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If bloating, gas and constipation are the common symptoms of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease, a cup of yogurt every day may help keep you regular bowel movement each day. Individuals who took two 4-ounce servings of live-culture yogurt in a study experienced minimal bloating and good bowel movements in weeks.
Obesity
Various initial research have showed that probiotics can aid obese individuals who underwent weight loss surgery to keep up with weight loss. And in research of post-partum women who tried to lose fat in the abdomen, by taking lactobacillus and bifido bacterium capsules assisted in reducing waist circumference.
