$Unique_ID{BRK02144}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Benefits of Yogurt}
$Subject{yogurt food aging cholesterol Lactobacillus bulgaricus Streptococcus
thermophilus lactic acid fermentation}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Benefits of Yogurt


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QUESTION:  My boyfriend is on a new health kick, and this time it is yogurt.
Every conversation seems to turn to the marvels of this food (boring!).  Can
you please discuss this in your column so that I can set him straight, and put
a stop to these endless lectures on "long life through yogurt"?  I would be
very, very grateful.

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ANSWER:  Ever since a bacteriologist, Elie Metchnikoff, credited yogurt for
the long lives of yogurt eating Russians who live in the Cactuses region, the
legend has grown, supported by innumerable articles in health magazines and
journals.  From a strictly scientific point of view, there are some
interesting nutritional points that can be offered.
     Yogurt is made from milk, and contains many of the nutritional benefits
of this liquid food.  It is converted into yogurt by the action of two
bacteria, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus through a
process known as "lactic acid fermentation".  Depending upon the production
techniques used in bringing the final product to the market, the bacteria may
still be found alive and active in the yogurt, or are no longer present,
destroyed by a heat treatment after culturing.  While different yogurt may
contain different amounts of nutrients, all contain substantial amounts of
protein, calcium, and lactose.  Different categories of yogurt, whole milk,
low fat, and non-fat yogurts contain varying amounts of fat from a high of 7
grams per serving to the non-fat low of 1 gram or less per serving.  Caloric
values of servings also vary depending upon the amount of added sugar
contained in many of the fruit flavored varieties.
     Current research is looking at the possible role of the live bacteria
variety and the lactic acid they produce.  It seems that these bacteria do
survive the digestion process and may have a role in reducing blood
cholesterol levels and the incidence of intestinal tumors.  It may not be the
road to long life, but the nutritional value of yogurt in a balanced diet can
not be disputed.  This may not turn off your boyfriend, but at least now you
have a bit more knowledge about the subject.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.