Yakult is a popular child-sized yogurt drink that became popular across Asian countries due to its delicious tartness combined with various benefits. However, is Yakult healthy? We did some digging and found some answers we would like to share with you.
The short answer is that Yakult is very good for the immune and digestive systems, as it helps in restoring the balance of good gut bacteria. However, it does have high sugar content, and if you are on a strict diet, this is something that you should pay attention to closely. There are many sides to this drink, and today, we are going to explore them and go in-depth on the subject of whether it is healthy or not. There is a lot to cover, so let us get into it.
Contents
What Exactly Is Yakult?
Yakult is a fermented dairy probiotic beverage that originates from Japan, where it was created back in 1935. It is famous for its sweet, citrusy flavor, and it comes in a pack of five small plastic bottles that are covered with a recognizable red and blue foil lid.
The creators of this beverage recommend that adults drink one or two bottles daily, and children over eight months should consume one bottle per day in order to maintain the presence of the probiotics in the digestive tract.
It is important to mention that people who are not accustomed to probiotic consumption may experience bloating when they start consuming it as the body gets used to its presence in the digestive tract.
Is It Healthy?
There are two options for Yakult products, and in order to answer this question, we are going to analyze both variations since they have a bit different ingredients.
1. Yakult Original
Yakult Original (the one with the red label) is a fat-free, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free probiotic beverage. It contains 10 grams of sugar, and 9 out of those are added sugar. With such an amount packed in a tiny bottle, this drink may not be the best choice for people who have diabetes or are conscious of their blood sugar levels. Here are all the contents from each bottle of this drink.
- 50 calories
- 15 mg of sodium
- 12 g of carbs
- 10 g of sugar (9 of which are added sugars)
2. Yakult Light
Yakult Light is the drink with the blue label, and it is also fat-free, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free. This is a healthier version of this drink as there are fewer calories and added sugars in each bottle. The lower sugar is a result of it being sweetened with stevia extract.
There is still some sugar present in each serving, but this variation of the drink is a better choice for people who are focusing on blood sugar management. Here are the contents of the Yakult Light drink.
- 25 calories
- 15 mg of sodium
- 6 grams of carbs
- 2 grams of fiber
- 3 grams of sugar (1 of which is added sugar)
Yakult Uses
Yakult is a drink that is safe both for children and adults. Pregnant women can also safely consume this product, as each bottle of Yakult consumed daily delivers several health benefits. There is no particular period of the day that you should be drinking Yakult, and you can drink it pretty much any time you want.
Yakult Perks
The nutritional content of Yakult makes this drink beneficial for health on multiple fronts. It is rich in good bacteria that improve overall health and help fight infections. In the section below, we have listed some of the main benefits you get by consuming this drink regularly.
It Helps Prevent Constipation
Probiotics can slow down the gut transit time by 12.4 hours, and they also increase the weekly bowel movement by 1.3. The bacteria you can find in probiotics and Yakult soften the stools to make them pass out easily from the body and help manage other gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
It Reduces the Chances of Upper-Respiratory Tract Infections
Probiotics in Yakult regulate microbial imbalance in the stomach. They also strengthen the body’s ability to resist pathogens, decreasing the risk of upper-respiratory tract infections, especially in children.
It Reduces Anxiety and Stress
As per various studies, there is a close relationship between the stomach and the brain. Changes in intestinal bacteria can cause neuropsychiatric conditions like anxiety or depression and people.
Other studies claim that probiotics can help in reducing anxiety. The depression score also reduces in people who consume probiotics regularly. Since Yakult delivers a large number of probiotics, it is very effective in reducing anxiety and stress.
It Reduces the Chances of Cancer
Microbial balance in the gut can increase the chances of autoimmune diseases, including cancer. Some studies suggest that probiotics have anti-cancerous properties and can be an efficient tool in cancer prevention.
Probiotics delay the formation of cancerous tumors in your body and help in the maintenance of sustainable physiochemical conditions in the colon.
It Improves Heart Health
Probiotics you can find in Yakult help in the reduction of inflammation and also aid in regulating cholesterol levels. The result of regular consumption of probiotics is that they prevent cardiovascular diseases and boost heart health.
Is Yakult Good for Weight Loss?
As per nutrition experts and healthcare providers, probiotics in Yakult release appetite-regulating hormones in the body that reduces the chances of overeating, which in the long run facilitates weight loss.
Probiotics are also rich in proteins that regulate fats in the body. Moreover, they can help prevent constipation and promote overall digestive health, which facilitates weight management. Thus, Yakult is great for weight loss.
Potential Side Effects of Yakult
Yakult is rich in probiotic bacteria that are fantastic for the maintenance of your health. However, there are some potential side effects that may occur, and we have listed them in the section below.
Bloating
In some cases, consumption of Yakult can lead to bloating initially as the body tries to adjust to the bacteria from probiotics.
Lactose Intolerance
Given the fact that Yakult is a skimmed milk beverage, people who have severe lactose intolerance might experience some allergic reactions, so they should steer clear of it or consult their medical healthcare providers before consumption.
Weak Immune System
People with low immunity should steer clear of Yakult. This is due to the fact that probiotics are suitable for most people, but those who have compromised immunity can experience side effects in the form of infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Yakult bottles can I drink daily?
It is recommended to consume one or two bottles of Yakult daily as a part of your regular diet.
2. Can I drink Yakult on an empty stomach?
Generally speaking, you can drink Yakult at any time of the day, and there is no significant difference between drinking it 30 minutes before or after meals.
3. How does Yakult benefit your body?
Given the fact that Yakult is a probiotic drink, there are various benefits that come with it. Some of the crucial benefits are that it helps stabilize the gut, reduces harmful bacteria in the intestines, improves immunity, and promotes digestive health.
Final Words
Yakult is a probiotic drink that helps your body in various ways. It is highly effective in preventing constipation, maintaining gut health, and reducing stress, and it works wonders for consumers’ overall health and well-being.
Moreover, it is very easy to implement it into an already existing diet; however, if you have issues with your immunity or lactose intolerance, it is best to consult your doctor and see if you can add this drink to your regular diet.
Steve is a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience and he holds a Master’s in Sports Science. Prior to Boston Rock Gym, Steve worked for two years as a personal trainer.