American Gastroenterological Association opines that probiotics are good bacterial strains which benefit the health of its consumers. It would help people with digestion if taken on a regular basis. It is also supposed to work as a shield against illness-causing bacteria. The best way to include this bacterium in your diet is through yogurt which consists of living organisms. In the USA, most brands of yogurt contain probiotics however the idea is to consume the one in which the organisms have been added after the heating process. Thus, you need to check the label to ensure that you are buying the right thing. The one to purchase must have “live and active cultures” on the packaging.

Here is a list of the most popular brands that make the best probiotic yogurts.

Activia
Activia, which is manufactured by the world-renowned company, Dannon, is available in an array of flavors like mixed berry, strawberry, vanilla, prune, and cherry. It comprises of several healthy varieties of probiotics such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium lactic and Lactobacillus bulgaricus – a specific probiotic culture meant for digestion and regularity. ‘Applied and Environmental Microbiology’ published a study in the July 2006 issue conducted by Marina Eli where he mentioned that both Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus survived through the entire digestive pathways continuing to enhance regularity and digestion. Dannon says that each 4-oz serving of yogurt is filled with billions of live cultures for the consumers to take benefit of.

Yoplait Original
The manufacturer ensures that Yoplait Original contains scientifically proven probiotic cultures along with vitamins A, D, and calcium. Though it has several cultures it lists Lactobacillus acidophilus as its main organism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is most widely used probiotic. It helps in forming substances that would make your stomach or intestines non-friendly toward bad bacteria which may make you ill. Lactobacillus acidophilus improves lactose tolerance, prevent diarrhea and treat inflammatory bowel ailments. You can enjoy a total of 20 flavors of Yoplait Original, each serving having 170 calories.

Stonyfield
Stonyfield is one of the few brands that are certified organic. It means that the maker does not use any pesticides, antibiotics, chemicals or herbicides to procure their food products as per the organic labeling standards of the US FDA. There is a total of six live active culture blends of probiotics in Stonyfield. The list includes Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. As part of the Lactobacillus family, L. casei, L. acidophilus, and L. rhamnosus help to regulate the digestive tract. This yogurt brand is available in several flavors to include raspberry, strawberry, French vanilla, peach, key lime, pomegranate, etc.

Siggi’s Yogurt, Drinkable Probiotic
Siggi’s Yogurt contains about 10 billions of Lactobacillus acidophilus per serving. It does not contain any milk fat. This brand is Grade A, certified gluten-free and has no rBGH. The best probiotic yogurts have a distinctive and delicious flavor and also provide with health benefits. Siggi’s drinkable probiotic yogurt is made using Lactobacillus acidophilus in high concentration. It is the best-known type of friendly bacteria used since olden days. This company focuses on offering the effectiveness of probiotics without adding a high dose of sugar or artificial sweeteners in it.

Chobani Yogurt
Chobani is one of the popular brands of Greek yogurt that contain probiotics. They aid in digestion and contain nutrients for other parts of the body as well. Greek yogurt has twice the protein found in traditional yogurt as stated by Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and Women’s Health magazine’s nutrition expert. Chobani offers varieties of the best probiotic yogurts that appeal to dietary needs as well as taste buds.

Fage Greek Yogurt
Fage Greek yogurt contains the Live Active Yogurt Cultures L.Casei, Bifidus, L. Acidophilus, S. Thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus. Probiotics improve immunity and offer protection against certain types of cancers. People suffering from ulcers, lactose intolerance, ulcers, etc. must include yogurt with probiotics in their diet.

Here is an easy recipe to make the best probiotic yogurts using a probiotic starter at home.

• Take 1.9 l of pasteurized, whole or low fat, cow or goat milk preferably.
• Heat the milk mixing continuously till it boils. The boiling will annihilate harmful organisms in the milk and restructure the proteins and help with the thickness.
• Let the milk cool down to 38-40 degree centigrade.
• Now mix yogurt culture powder to the milk- 0.4 gms or half a scoop yogurt culture power for two-quarter to one gallon of milk.
• Mix thoroughly with the powder is dissolved completely with the mix.
• Fill the mixture in a yogurt maker or a bowl and incubate for 12-24 hours at 38-40 degree centigrade.
• Refrigerate for at least five hours before serving.
• Add flavors of your choice if you want when preparing the yogurt.

So, add the best probiotic yogurts to your diet and see the difference it makes to your health within a short period of time.