What is special about the bacteria in the new yogurt?
In addition to the standard bacteria used in the manufacture of yogurt, some companies add other bacterial strains that are referred to as probiotic’ cultures. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms which contribute to human health. Many containers of yogurt will include the words live and active yogurt cultures’ on the package as an indication that probiotics have been added. Probiotic cultures are known to survive passage through the stomach and to colonize the gut (large intestine). The human large intestine normally provides a home to bacterial species. These bacteria nourish themselves with portions of food that have not yet been digested and absorbed by the body. This bacterial metabolism releases some calories from food, and produces some vitamins (B vitamins and vitamin K). Research has shown that consuming probiotics can aid health by establishing healthful bacterial species in the gut. Some of the probiotics used in yogurts such as the Stonyfield Farm brand include Lactobac
