Food
Benefits of probiotics and side effects
![benefits of probiotic yogurt](https://healthbenefitsof.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Blog-Yogurt_1600x.jpg)
Table of Contents
Discover the 10 shocking health benefits of probiotics and side effects.
Traditional probiotic yogurt is made from dairy that is fermented into a creamy food packed with beneficial probiotics and is a balanced source of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Yogurt is considered a superfood when sourced from grass-fed cows or goats, yogurt nutrition is maximized, supplying omega-3 fatty acids, whey protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and enzymes that make the benefits of probiotic yogurt truly amazing.
Dairy yogurt can be made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, but traditional cow’s milk is still the most popular, plus, yogurt is the most widely consumed fermented dairy product in the United States today, with the second being the kefir.
The fermentation of dairy milk is believed to date back more than 6,000 years to Central Asia as a way to preserve milk. Historical records place yogurt in India, Persia, and Turkey not long after it was seen in Central Asia.
Yogurt was prized for its creamy texture and many uses. Back then, fresh milk used to be carried in the stomach lining of animals, where many believe that healthy bacteria, along with the weather, contributed to fermentation.
Today, however, the process is very different! Dairy milk is heated to the point of killing existing bacteria, a process known as pasteurization.
An initial culture of live bacteria is introduced, and the milk is allowed to ferment for several hours until it is thick, rich, and sour.
Health benefits of probiotics
So why is probiotic yogurt so good for you? In a study published a couple of years ago, 6526 people were studied, and yogurt intake was directly associated with better overall diet quality, healthier metabolic profiles, healthier blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
Additionally, probiotic yogurt benefits were found to be an excellent source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B2; Yogurt is great for overall health and wellness, and probiotic-rich foods are central to the GAPS diet plan. Here are 10 proven health benefits of probiotics:
1.- Benefits of probiotics for digestion
The healthy bacteria added to yogurt help improve the microflora in the gut, which is responsible for digestion and a healthy digestive tract.
These active cultures can help with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as colon cancer, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, and lactose intolerance.
Many people who struggle with lactose intolerance find yogurt to be a calming food, not one that causes digestive problems.
2.- Benefits of probiotics for diabetes
In a recent study, a higher intake of probiotic yogurt is directly associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the benefits of probiotics are supported by the digestion and absorption of nutrients throughout the digestive tract; This is essential for healthy blood sugar regulation.
3.- Benefits of probiotics for colorectal cancer
In a large study of more than 45,000 individuals, consuming the benefits of probiotic yogurt was shown to protect against colorectal cancer, the researchers noted that “the protective effect of yogurt was evident throughout the cohort.” The reason for this is a healthier digestive tract, due to the probiotics and healthy bacteria in the yogurt.
4.- Benefits of probiotics for osteoporosis
According to Jeri Nieves, Ph.D., MS, and director of the Helen Hayes Hospital for Bone Density Testing in New York, “Proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and the micronutrients of greatest importance are calcium and vitamin D.
The combination of calcium and vitamin D has a clear skeletal benefit, provided the dose of vitamin D is high enough. “ Dairy yogurts are rich in calcium and many dairy yogurts are fortified with vitamin D, however, raw cow’s milk yogurt is not. I need fortification as it contains 38 IU per quart!
5.- Benefits of probiotics for weight loss
According to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the benefits of probiotic yogurt increase fat loss, the study showed that servings of three to six ounces a day for 12 weeks almost doubled the amount of fat loss compared to others in the study.
The group that consumed the probiotic yogurt and extra calcium to reach 1,100 milligrams lost 22 percent more weight and 61 percent more body fat.
The study also found that the belly region and waist circumference were particularly affected.
6.- Boost the immune system
In a recent study, researchers found that probiotics found in yogurt and other fermented dairy products can enhance the immune system of the intestinal lining by increasing the cells that produce cytokines in the intestine.
The researchers stated that “supplementation of probiotic organisms in childhood could help prevent immune diseases in childhood.”
Another study on infants found that probiotics added to formulas had a significant decrease in fever days, antibiotic prescriptions, clinic visits, and childcare absences.
For adults, the probiotics in yogurt help keep the digestive tract free of disease-causing bacteria,
7.- Reduce high blood pressure
Yogurt has more than 600 milligrams of potassium! for every eight ounces!
In 36 clinical trials and 17 studies, potassium intake and blood pressure reduction are evident, potassium is believed to help decrease sodium reabsorption while influencing nervous system cell function, important for lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who consume two to three servings (or more) per day of low-fat dairy products experience a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing blood pressure.
So, if you have high blood pressure, start eating the benefits of probiotic yogurt, if you want to maintain healthy blood pressure, eat yogurt.
8.- Reduce bad cholesterol
The health benefits of probiotic yogurt, including Lactobacillus Acidophilus, lower cholesterol levels, with just a 200 milliliter (seven-ounce) serving per day!
In a controlled clinical study, researchers witnessed a 2.4 percent reduction in serum cholesterol.
They believe that regular intake of probiotic yogurt has the potential to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 6 to 10 percent.
9.- Regulates moods
The effects of probiotic yogurt benefits on the digestive tract and blood sugar levels have already been discussed, but as a result, the health of our gut is directly related to our mood.
In a study by Gail and Gerald Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress who studied brain scans during and after the study, researchers found that healthy women who regularly consumed probiotics through yogurt showed more control over emotions and less anxiety when they presented emotional events to them. The yogurt group ate two servings per day for four weeks.
10.- It can help treat chronic pain and brain-related diseases
In the same study mentioned above on mood regulation, researchers found that the benefits of probiotic yogurt have the potential to help with chronic pain, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and autism.
The researchers also raised the question of whether repeated courses of antibiotics can affect the brain.
Antibiotics are prescribed to kill dangerous bacteria, but they also kill healthy bacteria that reside in our guts.
This reinforces my recommendation that yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods should always be consumed and especially taken after courses of antibiotics.
Nutrition Facts of Probiotics
Protein, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus make up the nutritional profile of yogurt.
It is a complete food, with just the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, a single serving can provide more than 25 percent of the daily value for protein and almost 50 percent of the DV for calcium.
It also helps reduce belly fat, denies chemically induced cancer, lowers cholesterol, increases metabolism, and strengthens the immune system.
The benefits of probiotic yogurt are stimulated healthy digestive function and help produce vitamin B12 and K.
Healthy strains of bacteria added to yogurt and kefir include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus. The key is to look for yogurt that contains “live and active cultures.”
Omega-3s are healthy fats associated with supporting weight loss, reducing blood pressure, lowering inflammation, fighting cancer, and protecting against cognitive decline.
While we primarily focus on omega-3s in wild-caught salmon and tuna, probiotic yogurt from grass-fed cows makes the list as one of the top available food sources. Dairy products, including yogurt, from grass-fed cows, are higher in omega-3s and CLA.
Side effects of probiotics
Milk allergies are different from dairy “sensitivity” or intolerance. A true milk allergy can cause anaphylactic shock.
A sensitivity to lactose or casein can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but it has rarely turned into an allergy and has acted as a true allergy.
Most people who are sensitive to dairy can enjoy real yogurt made from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and A2 cow’s milk.
One study found that for men with lactose malabsorption, consuming raw yogurt with live bacteria helped with digestion and increased butyrate in the system.
Uses of probiotic yogurt
Yes! There are many non-culinary uses for yogurt! Add yogurt to your beauty regimen to experience all the probiotic benefits for your complexion. Your hair and skin will thank you!
-Combat acne with yogurt: Mix 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply to the face, paying special attention to areas prone to acne or breakouts. Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse well with warm water, and pat dry.
-Moisturize dry skin – Mix 1 tablespoon of yogurt with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it on your face, elbows, or even on healing. Relax for 10 minutes and wipe clean with a tissue.
-Moisturize dry hair – Mix 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and apply to hair. Wrap your hair in a towel and relax for 30 minutes. Rinse well in the shower and follow with Homemade Honey Citrus Shampoo. Rinse well.
Food
Benefits of chamomile tea for weight loss
![chamomile tea weight loss](https://healthbenefitsof.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/chamomile-tea.jpg)
Discover the benefits of chamomile tea for weight loss.
Chamomile tea is great for relieving stomach upset, promoting relaxation, and lowering anxiety. In addition to a healthy diet and sports activity, consuming this tea can also help you lose weight and be a great way to lose excess pounds thanks to its health benefits.
Chamomile tea for healthy weight loss
Having a cup of chamomile tea 15 minutes before a meal helps to increase the production of your gastric juices, which will facilitate your slimming as well as your loss of excess kilograms.
Chamomile tea helps you lose weight by increasing nervous calm and relaxation because your nervous tension process can create an imbalance in your hormonal system and therefore increase fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area.
Drinking chamomile in the form of tea saves you from snacking because it’s a great way to regulate your metabolism. Used in tea during your diet, chamomile has a very effective appetite suppressant effect that helps you lose weight quickly.
Have a cup of tea as soon as you start to feel hungry: this cup is usually enough to make your stomach feel full. Which protects you from temptations. Drink your tea without cream or sugar so that it cannot lose its slimming properties.
Also, the tea can de-bloat your abdominal area. It is a very powerful natural anti-inflammatory, so this tea is an excellent way to reduce your abdominal discomfort and inflammation.
By reducing them, you will have a flat stomach and you will feel better. To take full advantage of the virtues of your tea, a good cup in the evening will do you good.
How to consume chamomile tea to lose weight
You should avoid drinking more than 4 glasses of chamomile tea per day because too large a dose can cause undesirable side effects: dizziness, vomiting, nausea… Also, be sure not to exceed 10 g of chamomile leaves per 1 liter of water when making a homemade chamomile tea recipe.
Due to the effectiveness of chamomile in inducing the onset of menstruation and the lack of an indicator that guarantees safety to a pregnant woman or when breastfeeding, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is advised to avoid consuming chamomile. But it is important to emphasize that you will only experience these effects if you take chamomile in high doses.
Thus, your chamomile tea remains your slimming ally to lose weight effectively and quickly.
Food
8 Benefits of peanut butter and side effects
![peanut butter](https://healthbenefitsof.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-to-Make-Peanut-Butter-2-1200.jpg)
Table of Contents
Food
7 Benefits of bitter melon and side effects
![bitter melon benefits](https://healthbenefitsof.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bitter-melon-benefits-1296x728-feature.jpg)
Table of Contents
- Health benefits of bitter melon
- 1.- Benefits of bitter melon for diabetes
- 2.- Fight bacterial infections and viruses
- 3.- Improves digestive and liver health
- 4.- Benefits of bitter melon for cancer
- 5.- Reduces respiratory disorders and symptoms
- 6.- Helps treat inflammation and skin wounds
- 7.- It can help prevent obesity and heart disease
- How to use bitter melon
- Side effects of bitter melon
- Discover the 7 shocking health benefits of bitter melon and side effects.
Bitter melon is known as a type of nutritious and medicinal fruit that is native to the continents of Asia, Africa, and much of the Caribbean.
It has a long history of use in China, Ayurvedic medicine – a traditional system of healing that has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years – and also in some of the healthiest places in the world, such as Okinawa, Japan (one of the “blue zones” of the world). In the next post, we will take a close look at the benefits of bitter melon.
Much of history makes it clear that the culinary uses of both bitter melon and its benefits originated in India, and then entered the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the mid-fourteenth century.
Knowing that bitter foods tend to be cleansers for the body and capable of increasing liver health, the Chinese were drawn to the extremely bitter taste of bitter melon.
Although researchers state that more studies are required to recommend its use for certain conditions, based on a review, findings show that bitter melon has some of the following benefits:
• Control blood sugar levels and diabetes
• Reduce respiratory infections like pneumonia
• Decrease inflammation and increase immunity
• Treatment of abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, constipation, cramps, and fluid retention
• Increasing protection against cancer
• Reduce fevers and coughs
• Treatment of skin conditions including eczema, scabies, and psoriasis
• Antiviral, antibacterial, and anthelmintic properties (including those that can be used to prevent or treat parasites, HIV / AIDS, malaria, and even leprosy)
• Treatment of gout, jaundice, and kidney stones
• Manage symptoms of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis
- Health benefits of bitter melon
- 1.- Benefits of bitter melon for diabetes
- 2.- Fight bacterial infections and viruses
- 3.- Improves digestive and liver health
- 4.- Benefits of bitter melon for cancer
- 5.- Reduces respiratory disorders and symptoms
- 6.- Helps treat inflammation and skin wounds
- 7.- It can help prevent obesity and heart disease
- How to use bitter melon
- Side effects of bitter melon
Health benefits of bitter melon
1.- Benefits of bitter melon for diabetes
Findings from studies in humans and animals have shown a hypoglycemic effect of the concentrated bitter melon extract, which means that it helps lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and regulates the body’s use of insulin.
In many ways, bitter melon extract acts like the insulin that the body produces naturally.
More than 100 studies using modern techniques are believed to have authenticated its use in diabetes and its complications.
Diabetic symptoms and complications that bitter melon extract can help control include:
• Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels
• Nephropathy (kidney damage)
• Hormonal irregularities and menstrual changes in women
• Heart complications and blood vessel damage
While multiple studies have found that Momordica charantia may be beneficial to normalize the sugar in the blood and control diabetes, its effects seem to depend on how it is consumed.
One study showed that bitter melon consumed raw or in the juice helps lower blood glucose levels in healthy and diabetic animals, although other studies have found that responsiveness varies by individual.
This study looked at the hypoglycemic effects of bitter melon extract and seeds in mice with normal or elevated blood sugar levels.
The data showed that bitter melon extract (1 g / kg) significantly lowered the blood glucose level of normal and diabetic mice.
It did this primarily by regulating insulin signaling pathways in muscle and fat cells (adipose tissues), helping cells take in more glucose from the blood as needed.
Bitter melon was shown to target insulin receptor sites and stimulate downstream pathways, leading the researchers to conclude that it may serve as a beneficial “glucose metabolism regulator.”
Other research has identified a blend of active components within bitter melon that are responsible for its antidiabetic abilities.
These include steroidal saponins (known as quarantines), insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids, which are mainly concentrated in the fruit of the Momordica charantia plant.
2.- Fight bacterial infections and viruses
Research has shown that bitter melon contains various forms of antibacterial and antiviral agents.
These agents are capable of reducing susceptibility to infections such as Helicobacter pylori (a very common bacteria linked to the formation of stomach ulcers when someone’s immune function is low), along with viruses, including HIV.
One report states that bitter melon powder has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to remove dust from leprous ulcers and other untreatable ulcers in wound healing, especially when mixed with cinnamon, pepper, rice, and chaulmugra oil.
“In recent years, the bitter melon extract has been used successfully against pyloric ligation, aspirin, and stress-induced ulcers in rats, showing significant reductions in ulcer symptoms.
Additionally, studies have identified anthelmintic agents within bitter melon, a group of antiparasitic compounds that help expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites from the body.
Anthelmintics work by killing parasites internally, without causing significant harm to the host (the person or animal that carries the parasite).
3.- Improves digestive and liver health
There is evidence that bitter melon extract can help reduce stomach and intestinal disorders, decrease kidney stones, help prevent liver disease and improve liver function, help treat parasitic worms that enter the gastrointestinal tract, reduce symptoms of the disease inflammatory bowel disease (including colitis) and improve digestive health.
Research conducted showed that bitter melon extract increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase, helping to improve detoxification and prevent liver damage.
Bitter melon also has natural laxative effects and therefore helps relieve constipation. The traditional use of bitter melon was to reduce stomach aches and ulcers.
Recently even been discovered that can help act against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that contributes to the formation of ulcers.
4.- Benefits of bitter melon for cancer
Although the results of the studies have been inconsistent, several studies have shown the effectiveness of bitter melon to prevent or treat various types of cancer: lymphoid leukemia, lymphoma, choriocarcinoma, melanoma, breast cancer, skin tumor, prostate cancer, carcinoma of the tongue and larynx, bladder cancer and Hodgkin’s disease.
How does bitter melon act as a cancer-fighting food?
The Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics at the University of Calcutta state that Momordica charantia has “anticancer, antimutagenic and antitussive” properties.
Although more research is still needed, to date a small group of studies has found that cancer patients who use bitter melon in addition to other treatments have shown promising results.
Bitter melon extracts have been shown to increase metal chelation, promote detoxification, prevent lipid peroxidation, and inhibit free radical damage, contributing to cell mutations and tumor growth.
The College of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Hong Kong has identified more than 20 active components within bitter melon that have antitumor properties.
Concluding their research on bitter melon as an “antidiabetic, anti-HIV and antitumor compound,” they declared that bitter melon is “a cornucopia of health and deserves in-depth research for future clinical application.”
5.- Reduces respiratory disorders and symptoms
Through increased detoxification, improved blood flow reduced inflammation, and decreased free radical damage, bitter melon can prevent common illnesses such as coughs, colds, or the flu.
A strong immune system and a well-functioning digestive system are essential to avoid possible infections and illnesses, as well as to reduce seasonal allergies and asthma.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the juice of the bitter melon fruit has been used to treat dry coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats for hundreds of years.
Today’s studies show that bitter melon juice, fruit, and seeds can be beneficial in preventing respiratory illness, cough, runny nose, and food allergies.
6.- Helps treat inflammation and skin wounds
Several studies have identified anti-inflammatory compounds within bitter melon that help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Due to its antibacterial properties, traditionally (and sometimes even today) bitter melon has also been used topically on the skin to treat deep skin infections (abscesses) and wounds without the use of antibiotics.
7.- It can help prevent obesity and heart disease
The bitter melon fruit extract has shown strong antioxidant activity in human and animal studies.
In addition to balancing the hormones related to diabetes, there is a possibility that bitter melon acts as a therapeutic agent to prevent obesity and other symptoms related to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure).
Although more research is still needed, experimental animal and clinical studies show that bitter melon is beneficial in preventing weight gain through the mediation and induction of fat and lipid metabolism processes, gene expressions that control appetite, and body weight and reduce inflammation.
How to use bitter melon
• Bitter melon fruit can be eaten alone, cooked, or consumed in extract/tablet form.
• Look for unripe bitter melon fruits that are green, firm, and free of bruises or cracks. Store it at cool temperatures, ideally in the refrigerator, for 1 to 2 weeks or until its green color begins to leak.
• If you can find all the fruit, you can try cooking it traditionally in Asia: frying it with potatoes, garlic, chili, and onion until its strong smell is reduced.
• You can take up to 100 milliliters of fresh bitter melon juice once a day. If you want to reduce the bitterness of fresh fruit or fresh fruit juice, use a small amount diluted with fresh fruit or vegetable juice or add a small amount of raw honey.
• The dose of the bitter melon extract depends on the condition in question. Most research shows that taking around 1000-2000 milligrams daily has the strongest effects.
Many brands recommend dividing the doses into 2-3 servings and taking capsules after meals to help with absorption.
• Bitter melon is usually taken in doses of 1-2 capsules, three times a day after meals, for up to 3 months.
This amount has been shown to help improve blood sugar management / diabetic conditions, but not enough is known about its effects when used for more than 3 months in a row.
• Look for pure bitter melon extract in tablet or capsule form that is ideally certified organic, non-GMO-free, gluten-free, magnesium stearate-free, and contains no synthetic additives.
Side effects of bitter melon
Based on the research available at this time, bitter melon is intended to be used in conjunction with other preventive measures (such as eating a healthy diet and exercising to control inflammation), along with conventional treatments when needed.
Here are some possible side effects and precautions to consider before using bitter melon products:
• While bitter melon has proven hypoglycemic effects, the available scientific data is insufficient to recommend its use to treat diabetes without careful supervision and monitoring.
Bitter melon “cannot be recommended as insulin replacement or hypoglycemic therapy” at this time, so if you are diabetic or prediabetic, it is best to talk to your doctor about using bitter melon excerpt in addition to your current treatment plan.
Because bitter melon lowers blood sugar, it can interact with diabetes medications. If you take diabetes medications, be aware that they could lower your blood sugar level too much, and therefore it is recommended to monitor them.
• Bitter melon should not be consumed by pregnant women, those who are trying to get pregnant, and women who are breastfeeding, as research shows that it has some abortifacient properties (the ones that can cause miscarriages), can cause menstrual bleeding, and has some antifertility capabilities.
• If you’ve recently had surgery, been fasting, or have lost substantial blood for some other reason, bitter melon should be avoided as it can interfere with blood sugar control and cause side effects like dizziness or fainting.
- Health benefits of bitter melon
-
Food5 months ago
10 + Benefits of carrot juice and side effects
-
Food5 months ago
8 shocking benefits of leek juice and side effects
-
Health5 months ago
Benefits of guava leaves Sensually
-
Health5 months ago
10 shocking health benefits of Canary seed milk
-
Health5 months ago
7 health benefits of cashew leaves and side effects
-
Health5 months ago
13 shocking health benefits of Thai eggplant
-
Weight Loss5 months ago
Chrissy Metz Weight Loss Secret (2022)
-
Weight Loss5 months ago
Kelly Osbourne weight loss 2022