Protection With Probiotics

You probably know that probiotics - the bacteria found in yogurt, buttermilk, and other cultured dairy products - can improve gastrointestinal health. Now new research shows another way these good-for-you germs guard against disease.

How Else Are Probiotics Good for You?
Researchers at the Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health found that probiotics deactivate carcinogens that can damage DNA. And in doing so, they may help protect against one of the most prevalent cancers - colon cancer.

To get the cancer-fighting benefits of probiotics, kefir is your best culinary bet. (It has the highest concentration of probiotics.) Just watch out for the flavored varieties, which can be loaded with sugar and extra calories. Ideally, opt for a high-quality probiotic supplement (with "live and active" on the label) to get the maximum beneficial bacteria per serving, calorie- and sugar-free.

[Ed. Note: Kelley Herring is the founder and CEO of Healing Gourmet (www.healinggourmet.com), and is editor-in-chief of the Healing Gourmet book series. Learn more about how simple lifestyle choices can improve your health by reading ETR’s free natural health e-letter.]