My kids have a new obsession. They call it “Little Milkies”, but it’s actually Yakult. You’ve probably seen them on the shelves at the supermarket next to the yoghurt and butter. They look like mini bottles of milk (sooooo cute) – but they’re so much more. Find out the importance of probiotics and why they make such a positive impact on our gut health.
Yakult is a fermented probiotic milk drink that plays a major role in promoting good gut health, not only for us adults but kids and toddlers too! A healthy gut does so much for our overall wellness. It can improve our digestive and immune function, sleep patterns, mood, brain and heart health – the list goes on and on.
If you haven’t discovered Yakult yet, let us explain why this itty bitty drink is both yummy and beneficial for your family, plus delve into the importance of probiotics.
Readers asked. Yakult Australia answered
Maintaining your gut health is incredibly important – but why? Where do probiotics factor in? And how does Yakult play a role? Mum Central community recently asked, so we’ve reached out to nutritionist Laura at Yakult Australia for all the answers.
Take five minutes to hear what Laura has to say about Yakult, the science behind it, and answer your questions regarding gut health and the importance of probiotics.
Your most popular questions answered
What is Yakult?
Put simply, it’s a drink LOADED with probiotics. What makes Yakult different to other probiotics is the fact that it contains the exclusive bacteria strain known as the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS). No, I’m not speaking jibberish, LcS is actually an extra-special type of bacteria that is scientifically proven to survive the stomach and bile acids, reaching your intestines alive. Now, whilst this sounds like a no-brainer, not all probiotic capsules or foods survive the harsh environment of the stomach, so this is a real win for Yakult.
Why consume probiotics?
Our bodies contain trillions of bacteria (some beneficial, some harmful to health). Stress, ageing, lifestyle habits and certain medications can upset the balance of bacteria in your gut, causing an increase in the potentially harmful bacteria. This is why probiotics are so important – their role is to replenish our gut with beneficial bacteria to promote good gut health.
It’s important for all of us to focus on a healthy body on the inside – not just the outside. Probiotics do so much for our internal health, including regulating our bowels, reducing bloating, constipation and diarrhoea – and basically keep things ticking along without any blockage or bloating.
Plus, several studies have shown probiotics like LcS may assist the immune system by reducing the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections (the scientific term for ‘colds’) and fevers.
So, yes, it’s easy to see why Yakult is a favourite for families across Australia. It’s such a simple way to keep everyone’s gut happy and healthy.
How is Yakult different to yoghurt?
Yakult and yoghurt have different benefits. Yoghurt is a good source of calcium and protein, but Yakult contains higher numbers of beneficial bacteria and the exclusive LcS strain. Laura suggests we incorporate both Yakult and yoghurt in our diets.
Who can drink Yakult?
Everyone in the family can enjoy it! Healthy, sick, young, old – Yakult is for us all. It’s safe when you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, for those with gluten intolerance and even if you’re vegetarian.
Yakult is suitable for children who can safely consume cow’s milk and citrus fruits without any allergies or sensitivities. Yakult can be included in dietary intake once children commence solids. For younger children, you may prefer to dilute with water, add to purées, or offer a smaller amount of Yakult.
How do I drink it?
One “little milky” a day is all you need, with people usually noticing results within two weeks. Results may include less bloating, better digestion and less time spent in the toilet. Unless, of course, you’re using this time to hide from your kids and scroll Instagram. Then, take ALL the time you need!
You will need to keep Yakult in the fridge (not the freezer or the pantry) and if you don’t adore the taste, you can add it to things like smoothies, cereals, even ice cream (cold items only).
I’ve been giving Yakult to my kids as part of their after-school snack for quite a while now but lately, they’ve been packing a little milky into their lunch box daily (with an ice block to keep it cool).
Not knowing how great they were, I simply bought them because my kids love them and they look fun. But now I know more, it’s Little Milkies for everyone!
Where do I find it?
In the dairy aisle at the supermarket. So, the next time you’re there, look for these little milkies and stock up for the fridge. Trust us, your kids and your gut will thank you.
If you’re looking for further information or have additional questions, jump on over to the Yakult Australia website.
