Dairy Supports Gut Health
A healthy gutย helps us digest and absorb the food we eat and protects us against harmful bacteria. In order to do this, it needs to have a healthy balance of good bacteria.ย
The good bacteria in the gut acts as soldiers by helping us break down undigested food, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over and making us sick, and even producing mood balancing chemicals for the brain.ย
The gut has a special connection with the brain known as the gut-brain axis. Some studies have observed that some of the good bacteria in the gut like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, commonly found in yogurt as probiotics, can help alleviate stress, decrease anxiety, and decrease depression. A recent study suggests that eating dairy products regularly can increase the amount of Caudovirales in the gut which can help the brain in decision-making and memory processes.ย
Eating fermented dairy foods with live, active cultures, like yogurt, can help support gut health and health in general by adding more beneficial bacteria aka probiotics to the gut!ย ย
Bonus: adding prebiotic foods, like fruits and whole grains such as, oats and quinoa, will help keep these bacteria fed and functioning at full speed.ย ย
One of the best things about yogurt is that it is ready-to-go! Most yogurt snacks donโt take more than 10 minutes to prepare, making yogurt a convenient and accessible way to keep your gut happy!ย
If youโre looking to switch up your go-to yogurt parfait, here are a few recipes you can try:ย
Breakfast:ย
https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/apple-cinnamon-breakfast-bowls/ย
Snacks:ย
https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/peanut-butter-yogurt-dip/ย
Dessert:ย
https://www.milkmeansmore.org/recipe/fruit-yogurt-waffle-bowls/ย
ย Extra yogurt recipes: ย
