5-July 2017
How many times have you been told to wash your hands regularly? Or told to wash your raw food properly before cooking? Countless times, I am sure! Reason for this? Bacteria! They are tiny micro-organisms that feed off the environment they inhabit, and in most cases, that is the human body. Bacteria are responsible for several infections and sicknesses which if not properly treated can even lead to death.
So, it sounds all gloom and bleak, right? But is it all bad about bacteria? Actually, the answer is no! There are some bacteria that are actually good for the human body. Often referred to as ‘good bacteria’, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts naturally found in the human body, especially the digestive system. And while research is constantly ongoing to establish how probiotics function, common assertions have been that probiotics help replace good bacteria lost in the body after taking antibiotics, while they also help balance the body’s ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in order for the body to function like it should.
Due to their beneficial functions within the human body, probiotics are now becoming a major component of certain foods. One of such foods is yoghurt. Although there are several forms of probiotics, they usually fall under two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with the most common probiotic being the former. Most yoghurt contain either or both of these probiotics.
I have always loved yoghurt so much, in fact, my love for yoghurt is irreplaceable. To be honest, not just any yoghurt though, but Hollandia Yoghurt. Man, if I could have Hollandia Yoghurt every day, I would. I have noticed that the brand’s campaign messages have always been focused on the benefits of yoghurt to the consumer. For instance, over the past few years, the brand’s campaign messages have gone from “It’s All Good” to “Family of Goodness” to “Nourishing Goodness for Every Moment”. One thing that is common in all these campaign messages is “good”. So for a brand like Hollandia Yoghurt, just how “good” are the probiotics in it for you?
Okay, yes we know that there are people who are lactose intolerant; hence, they would find it difficult to take yoghurt as it is a dairy-based product. However, probiotics like Lactobacillus which are present in Hollandia Yoghurt, are nonpathogenic and produce beta- galactosidase or lactase intracellularly that may assist in the digestion of lactose.
Probiotics have also been found to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IIFGD), IBS is a disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a range of symptoms. Typically, these include intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or alternating episodes of both. For individuals with IBS, ingesting yoghurts like Hollandia Yoghurt which contain probiotics, could help provide relief by restoring an appropriate balance of intestinal flora since probiotics are the microorganisms, or flora, naturally present in the human gut and contain ‘friendly’ bacteria and yeasts that are essential in maintaining normal gastrointestinal function.
Asides from helping with digestive issues, there have been some indications that probiotics could help with skin conditions like eczema, urinary and vaginal health, preventing allergies and colds, and oral health.
You would only want to put good in, wouldn’t you? Although research is constantly ongoing to better understand probiotics, their known benefits just scream “good”. There is no doubt Hollandia Yoghurt’s “good” campaigns hinged on the benefits of the probiotics within it. So yes, while some bacteria are bad, probiotics are not. So, perhaps grab yourself a Hollandia Yoghurt, and say hello to the good guys!
