Weight Watchers sells 13 different yogurt flavors. Each yogurt has a Weight Watchers POINTS value of 1 and contains four cultures--bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum, L-acidophilus and S. thermophilus--plus prebiotics, which are non-digestible food compounds that stimulate activity and/or growth of probiotics found naturally in the colon.
Description
Cultures, also known as "live" cultures or probiotics, are healthful live microorganisms found naturally in dairy products such as yogurt and kefir. Typically, probiotics are good bacteria, meaning single-celled organisms that confer a health benefit on the host. Claims have been made about probiotics and their use for treatment of allergies, cancer, digestive issues such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, but more research must be completed to verify these claims.
Bulgaricus
Bulgaricus, also known as L. bulgaricus, produces the enzyme lactase, which is needed by the body to digest dairy products. Individuals who are lactose intolerant have insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase in their body naturally. Bulgaricus also is responsible for providing the smooth and creamy texture yogurt is known for and is used as a starter agent in yogurt production.
Bifidobacterium Longum
Bifidobacterium longum, often called bifidum for short, is a lactic acid-producing bacteria found in the intestines. Bifidobacterium longum's primary function is to convert sugar into lactic acid through fermentation in the digestive system. This can help individuals who are lactose intolerant better digest dairy products such as yogurts. Additionally, according to a 1997 study by J. Singh and associates at the Division of Nutritional Carcinogenesis, American Health Foundation in Valhalla, N.Y., bifidobacterium longum can help inhibit colon cancer.
L-Acidophilus
L-acidophilus is short for Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Lactobacilli are a group of bacteria that normally are found in the small intestines and the vagina. Claims have been made that L-acidophilus can help treat bacterial vaginosis and digestive conditions. However, more research must be performed to substantiate these claims.
The Lactobacillus acidophilus also produces vitamin K, lactase and antimicrobial substances and are revered as "good" bacteria. However, individuals with intestinal damage or a weak immune system or are suffering from overgrowth of intestinal bacteria should not take oral L. acidophilus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
S. Thermophilus
S. thermophilus, short for Streptococcus thermophilus, is what gives yogurt its distinct sour or tart aftertaste. S. thermophilus also contributes to the creamy texture of yogurt and contains lactase enzymes that aid in digestion.
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