How many myths about yogurt do you know? Yogurt is made by fermenting pure milk. Besides retaining all the nutrients of fresh milk, the lactic acid bacteria during fermentation also produce essential vitamins like B1, B2, B6, and B12. Its smooth texture and rich nutritional value make it a beloved delicacy.However, some perceived benefits of yogurt are not entirely accurate. Below, we debunk common myths about yogurt.
Yogurt "is rich in probiotics and treats constipation"
Many believe yogurt's probiotics effectively relieve constipation. The truth is, the probiotic content in yogurt is negligible, and its laxative effect is merely a "side effect."
"It's undeniable that regular yogurt consumption provides some probiotics, bolstering the 'lineup' of beneficial bacteria in the gut to combat harmful ones," experts note. Yet, the probiotics in yogurt are merely a drop in the bucket compared to the total gut microbiota. For those with sluggish digestion, yogurt alone is insufficient—probiotic supplements are necessary.
"Yogurt's laxative effect often stems from its 'side effect,'" the expert explained. Lactose intolerance is prevalent among Asians, and some individuals experience mild diarrhea after consuming milk or yogurt. This occurs because lactic acid disrupts the alkaline environment in the intestines, prompting the secretion of large amounts of alkaline digestive fluids to neutralize it.Additionally, he notes that the gut microbiota possesses self-regulatory functions, meaning healthy individuals do not need to supplement beneficial bacteria through yogurt consumption. While yogurt may offer some relief for occasional constipation, it should not be relied upon as a treatment for chronic constipation.
Is more acidic yogurt more nutritious?
Yogurt's acidity stems from lactic acid produced by lactic acid bacteria metabolizing lactose, influenced by factors like the fermentation strain and duration.Among the mandatory starter cultures for yogurt production—Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus—a dominance of bulgaricus yields stronger acidity. However, this does not necessarily indicate superior yogurt quality.In fact, calcium absorption from yogurt is no less than from milk—lactic acid actually enhances absorption of calcium and other minerals. Additionally, peptides like CPP (casein phosphopeptide) produced during protein breakdown in yogurt further promote calcium absorption.
That concludes our debunking of common yogurt myths. We hope this has provided valuable insights. Wishing you good health and happiness.