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It has long been suspected that the cultures in fermented dairy products are beneficial to your health, but it has not been until just recently that there have been enough scientific studies to support this claim. Now, there is an increasing interest in probiotic research that has started an important health trend, as more consumers become aware of probiotics and their benefits.

Probiotics are the living microorganisms, or bacteria, that result from the fermentation of certain foods, such as dairy, soybeans, and some juices. These bacteria are considered "friendly" in that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can provide health benefits that go beyond the basic nutritional value. When ingested, probiotics take residence in the intestines, joining the existing intestinal bacteria, or microflora, where they help to maintain a healthy colon and digestive tract, and aid in the protection of harmful bacteria.

In addition to the known benefits that probiotics provide for digestive health, there is compelling evidence that they also aid in the prevention or treatment of certain illnesses. Researchers are currently studying what, if any, effect probiotics have on such health issues as:

Allergies
Cholesterol
Colon Cancer
Constipation
Diarrhea
High Blood Pressure
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Lactose Intolerance

As more information is discovered regarding these "friendly" bacteria, many experts expect consumer demand for products containing probiotics to increase significantly.

In the United States, probiotics can be found in foods and dietary supplements; although most researchers agree that the best way to take them is included in a food product. There are increasingly more food products on the shelf that contain probiotics, with the most options found on the dairy aisle. There are several brands of yogurt that contain them, with some of the most popular being Dannon Activia and Danimals, for children. Another brand that contains probiotics in both their yogurt and cottage cheese is Horizon Organic Dairy. There are also a variety of milk products on the shelf that contain probiotics. They taste the same as other milk products, but include the unfermented cultures that qualify them as probiotics. DanActive is one such milk product. There has also been an increase in non-perishable products such, as cereals and snack bars, that include probiotics. Kashi, which is known for all natural, healthy ingredients in all of their products, was the first company to launch such a food; a cereal called Vive Probiotic Digestive Wellness Cereal. Since its launch others have followed.

Every day more discoveries are being made as to how probiotics contribute to digestive health and overall well-being. With so much encouraging information thus far, it appears that probiotics are a significant health trend, and should be respected as such. Indeed, most experts now widely agree that their consumption is largely beneficial, and should be included in a daily diet.

Learn more about this author, Linda Saye.
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