For centuries cultures all over the world have known of the health benefits of probiotics.

Fermented foods have been apart of many cuisines and they are recognized for the curative and healthy properties.

In addition to yogurt and kefir, probiotics can be found in pickled cabbage like kimchi or sauerkraut, fermented beans like tempeh and miso, soy sauce and buttermilk. Probiotics are a benign product, meaning there is very little documentation of harm from consuming them in foods or supplements.

Read more to see what probiotics can do for you.

Yogurt is truly one of nature’s miracle foods.

From weight loss to preventing certain types of cancer, yogurt has been a part of the diet of some of the world’s healthiest and most long lived people.

So indulge in a creamy, yummy, satisfying treat that treats you well!

First off, your body needs to have a healthy amount of ”good” bacteria in the digestive tract, and many yogurts are made using active, good bacteria. One of the words you’ll be hearing more of in relation to yogurt is ”probiotics.” Probiotic, which literally means ”for life,” refers to living organisms that can result in a health benefit when eaten in adequate amounts.

Miguel Freitas, PhD, medical marketing manager for Dannon Co., says the benefits associated with probiotics are specific to certain strains of these “good” bacteria. Many provide their benefits by adjusting the microflora (the natural balance of organisms) in the intestines, or by acting directly on body functions, such as digestion or immune function. (Keep in mind that the only yogurts that contain probiotics are those that say “live and active cultures” on the label.)