For many people, getting the benefits of probiotics from eating conventional animal-based yogurt is not a possibility due to gluten or lactose intolerance, milk allergies or a vegan diet. However recently, a group of scientists from the Polytechnic University of Valencia have demonstrated that certain plant “milks” can be a potential substitute to conventional animal-based yogurt. The group has illustrated how certain plant milks have the capability to support viable colonies of probiotic bacteria. This research has the potential to offer a healthy substitute (besides probiotic capsules) for animal- and soy-based yogurts.
Probiotics are naturally found in fermented vegetables, yogurt and breast milk and are a form of microscopic bacteria that commonly reside in our digestive tract. They provide a natural defence against a number of aliments by strengthening our immune system against certain diseases and viruses. Probiotics have also been linked to a reduction in certain allergies and shown to have the potential power to prevent some cancers. Not only are probiotics important for disease protection, they also improve and supplement probiotic microflora and can help maintain a healthy weight and increase energy.
Conventional animal-based yogurt is one of the easiest and best sources of probiotics, but its consumption isn’t possible for certain groups of people. The possibility of producing plant-based milks that contain probiotics and could potentially help many people.
Plant milks are produced by the fermentation of grains and nuts and have been found to have a high concentration of vitamins E and B, potassium, folic acid and antioxidants. The folic acid content of plant milks and high calcium-to-phosphorous ratio has caused them to be highly recommended for consumption by pregnant women.
Further, by studying plant milk produced by fermenting hazelnuts, almonds and oats (and currently experimenting with walnuts and chestnuts) the team of Valencia scientists determined that these forms of plant milk contained a matrix that was capable of supporting probiotic bacteria.
This research puts forth a potential, natural form of probiotic supplementation for people with lactose or gluten intolerances and milk allergies. Likewise, this research offers new information about how to improve the current plant milks available and information on new innovative products that can be geared towards a very specific group of people and the public in general.
