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.

Get your daily injection of vitamins and minerals with these power packed foods:

Carrots: A superb internal cleanser that is packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium and beta-carotene. These nutrients are great detoxifiers and good for supporting the liver. Carrots are also believed to support the liver, protect eyesight and help prevent food poisoning.

 

Kiwi fruits: An excellent source of vitamin C, this strange looking fruit also contains a number of important minerals such as magnesium and potassium. It can help remove excess sodium from the body and is a rich source of digestive enzymes.

 

Apricots: A great source of the antioxidant beta-carotene which can help lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and vitamin C and have a mild laxative effect.

 

Oranges: As well as being rich in vitamin C, oranges contain fibre, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene and folic acid which helps strengthen immune function, lowers cholesterol and maintains cell walls. They act as a cleanser and help tone and stimulate internal systems.

 

Tomatoes: A rich source of the antioxidant lycopene which can help protect against cancer. Tomatoes also contain calcium, beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamin C.

 

Grapes: These are excellent for cleansing the bowels and purple or black grape juice in particular may slow down the development of heart disease as it is associated with decreased activity of blood platelets.

 

Strawberries: These contain high levels of vitamin C and help support the immune system, keep energy levels up and ward off illness. They also support liver function and are good sources of fertility and libido boosting zinc and have a diuretic affect.

A recent study has shown that butyl benzyl phthalate, or BBP, a chemical found in lipstick and nail varnish may interfere with the healthy development of breast tissue. BBP is a man made substance that accumulates in fat tissue and which is part of a group of chemicals that mimic the female hormone oestrogen.

Phthalates are frequently used to make cosmetics glossy or soften plastics and are also found in food packaging, toys, carpets and solvents. Other studies have found a link between them and birth defects, kidney problems and infertility. The concern has been so great that they have been banned in teething rings and babies’ dummies across Europe.

 

Now, according to research from the Fox Chase Cancer Centre in Philadelphia, BBP could increase the risks of breast cancer. Scientists fed rats with BBP which was then absorbed by their offspring via breast milk and the chemical altered the genetic make-up of cells in the young female rat’s mammary glands. The researchers speculated that the same alterations could happen in humans who are over exposed.

 

The Women’s Environmental Network said phthalates were present in four out of five cosmetic products on sale in Britain and is campaigning to see them removed from all cosmetics, including hair spray and moisturiser, because of the possibility that trace elements are being absorbed by the skin.