Yogurt is a valuable source of protein, vitamins and minerals.  Yogurt is also more readily digested than unfermented milk products and can be useful for people with lactose intolerance.  During the production of milk to make yogurt and cheese the fermentation process produces enzymes that breakdown lactose.  So yogurt and cheese do not contain the milk sugar lactose. 

Opt for organic yogurt if possible, produced on farms where antibiotics, which can damage beneficial bacterial in the gut, are not routinely used and chemicals are avoided.

 

There is approximately 1 to 2 kg of bacteria in the average body but only about 5 percent are potentially harmful – the rest are actually good for you. Beneficial or friendly bacteria belong to two families of bacteria – acidophilus and bifidus, known as probiotics, meaning ‘for life.’ Probiotics can be taken either as a supplement or by eating yogurts. ‘Live yogurt’ is milk fermented with a culture of bacteria such as lactobacillus bulgaricus or streptococcus thermophilus. ‘Bio yogurt,’ has additional bacterial added once fermentation has taken place, notably bifidobacterium bifidum or longum and lactobacillus acidophilus which have added health benefits. Bio yogurts contain more friendly bacteria per gram than live yoghurt.

 

The friendly bacteria in yogurt can promote your health in many ways. Friendly bacteria assist in the manufacture of B vitamins and aid digestion and the absorption of nutrients. They also produce lactic acid and antibiotic like substances that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as E coli and salmonella, which cause food poisoning. However, probiotics in yogurts can do much more. Research has shown that they can boost the immune system, help relieve the symptoms of thrush, lower cholesterol and even reduce the risk of certain cancers.

 

One US study showed that when patients with recurring bouts of thrush ate yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus over six months they had just a third of their usual number of infections. When asked to stop eating yogurt, the patients refused because they were so pleased with the results. Another study reported in the British Medical Journal showed that children taking lactobacillus had fewer ear and respiratory infections, which meant less need for antibiotics and less time off school.

 

With stress, pollution, birth control pills and antibiotic use in modern life wiping out friendly bacteria we could all benefit from probiotics. To prevent the bacteria being killed by stomach acid it is best eaten on its own rather than a dessert – or 15 minutes before a meal. If you get recurrent thrush you are recommended to take the probiotic as a supplements in order to get a therapeutic level, the same applied when you have had a course of antibiotics.  If you are a vegan or dairy intolerant you can also take supplements. (The one I prefer to use is called BioKult).

 

I would suggest you avoid fruit yogurts.  A small pot of fruit yogurt, even a ‘healthy’ organic live fruit yogurt, can contain as much as eight teaspoons of sugar.  Also be careful of the probiotic drinks as they can be loaded with sugar.

 

Another way to boost good bacteria in our bodies is to eat foods that feed them known as prebiotics, found in cereals, fruit and soya.

Q: Is there a link between milk and weight loss

A: It’s unclear if increasing the amount of dairy products you eat and drink will help you lose weight. Some studies indicate that people who add dairy products into a reduced-calorie diet lose more weight than those who cut back on their calories but consume little or no dairy. Other studies have concluded there’s no effect on weight loss.

 

Some research suggests that drinking more milk may help some people lose weight because dairy products contain certain substances — including calcium — that may help regulate weight loss. But much more research is needed to determine what role, if any, milk and other dairy products may play in weight loss.

Q: Should I wash supermarket fruit before I eat it?

A: In general my advice is to wash fruit and vegetables before you eat it to avoid the risk of exposure to toxins, chemicals and pesticide residues which your body doesn’t want or need and which have been linked to an increased risk of poor health and infertility.

 

If you can buy organic produce you don’t risk exposure to unnecessary toxins and chemicals but it’s still a good idea to wash your fruit before you eat it as you have no idea who has been handling the fruit or what dirt they may have collected along the way. Supermarkets often state on their packaging whether a fruit or vegetable is washed and ready to eat but my advice remains the same as with organic produce; wash first then eat.

 

Having said that eating the occasional unwashed fruit won’t do you any harm but you do need to be really careful if you are pregnant, elderly or in poor health as your immune system is vulnerable and there is a risk of food poisoning and infection. Another risk is toxoplasmosis which can cause serious damage to an unborn baby so if you are pregnant or hoping to be make sure you always wash fruit and vegetables before eating.