Research shows the main ingredient in the yoghurt helps improve digestion, reduces cholesterol and possesses anti-cancer properties
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What is high cholesterol?
Lidl has launched a yoghurt that promotes health. It potentially aids in gut improvement, alleviates symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lowers cholesterol levels. The budget-friendly supermarket’s Proviact yoghurt contains a vital ingredient that may decrease the risk of colon cancer.
Customers can purchase four 115g tubs of this probiotic yoghurt for only £1.65, with rhubarb and strawberry flavour options. The yoghurt is enriched with bifid culture, also called Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacteria for human health.
Bifidobacterium is naturally present in the stomach and intestines, and research indicates it can assist with digestion. It also enhances the immune system and helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Consuming probiotics, such as Lidl’s Proviact yoghurt, can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. Having a healthy population of these bacteria helps restore balance in the gut and may aid in treating or preventing issues like diarrhoea, IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Bifidobacterium is vital in training your immune system to recognise and eliminate harmful microbes. It also helps break down and absorb nutrients and medications and recycle bile after digestion, reports Surrey Live.
Bifidobacteria are essential for the survival and growth of other bacterial species in the gut. They produce acetate, a type of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), which nourishes other bacteria that create butyrate, another SCFA crucial for maintaining a healthy gut lining.
How does Bifidobacteria help cholesterol?
clinical studies have demonstrated that probiotics such as Bifidobacterium can lower cholesterol levels. Bifidobacterium’s bile salt hydrolase (BSH) function aids in reducing cholesterol by transforming conjugated bile acids into primary bile acids.
This process facilitates the removal of bile acids in faeces, prompting the liver to increase its cholesterol conversion. Additionally, Bifidobacteria can convert cholesterol into coprostanol, reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the intestine.
Cholesterol, produced by the liver and transported through the bloodstream, is vital for cell construction, nerve protection, and the creation of vitamins and hormones. However, excessive cholesterol can be detrimental to health, leading to conditions such as peripheral artery disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke.
Is Lidl’s yoghurt a cancer-fighting food?
One of the Proviact yoghurt flavours available at Lidl is rhubarb. This fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties that may help guard against chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Rhubarb is also fibre-rich and beneficial for lowering cholesterol. Studies have indicated that it can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Rhubarb could be a game-changer in the fight against this type of cancer, with some experts highlighting a compound called rhein that “exhibits potent anticancer activity in various cancers”. Research from 2021 found that rhein significantly curbed the growth, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells.
Echoing this sentiment, a 2010 study noted: “Baked rhubarb could help fight cancer”. However, caution is advised by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which has stated: “Rhubarb acts as a stimulant laxative, but has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.”
Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp, which is a small growth on the inner surface of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are harmless, a few have the potential to develop into cancer over time. Common signs of colorectal cancer include:
- Change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea
- Blood in the bowel movements
- Feeling weak or tired
- Low iron level, commonly with anaemia
Colorectal cancer can be identified through screening tests, and starting treatment early can significantly lower the chances of mortality. Several measures, such as taking aspirin or celecoxib and ensuring you get enough vitamin D, might help decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Possible side effects
Before you rush to make any changes to your diet or lifestyle, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor, especially to determine if rhubarb and probiotics are right for you. If you’re experiencing persistent bowel issues or notice regular changes in your bathroom habits, it’s wise to get checked by your GP for any underlying health conditions.
It’s recommended to steer clear of rhubarb if you suffer from bowel obstruction, appendicitis, unexplained stomach pain, kidney disease, or kidney stones. While Bifidobacteria generally pose no risk for most individuals, some may experience gas and bloating from such probiotics.
Remember, flavoured yoghurts should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar and additive content, and always as part of a balanced diet.
