Yakult vs. Kefir: Comparing the Health Benefits and Differences
It can be difficult for health-conscious people to choose between Kefir and Yakult. Both probiotic beverages have gained popularity in recent years because of their purported benefits to gut health. But which is better?
This article will help you decide which drink is best for your lifestyle. We will examine the ingredients, nutritional value, taste and side effects of both beverages to answer the question, which is better: Yakult or Kefir.
What is Yakult?
Yakult, a fermented drink of milk, was first produced in Japan during the 1930s. It contains a strain of bacteria known as Lactobacillus Casei Shirota that is well-known for its probiotic qualities.
Yakult comes in small bottles. It is marketed as an everyday probiotic drink to improve digestion and boost immunity. Yakult has a citrusy, sweet taste with a hint vanilla.
This is the full list of ingredients: Water, skimmed (reconstituted) milk, glucose-fructose, sugar, maltodextrin and flavourings. It contains L. casei Schirota. Yakult has 30 billion L.casei Shirota in every 100ml of refrigerated product (20 billion per bottle).
What is Kefir
Kefir is fermented milk that has been consumed in the Caucasus for centuries. Kefir is made by adding kefir grain, which is a mixture of yeast and bacteria to milk.
Kefir is a probiotic drink that contains strains like Lactobacillus acidsophilus, Streptococcusthermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Kefir can be described as a slightly effervescent, tangy drink. It is great on its own but also works well as a base in smoothies or other drinks.
It is much simpler than the ingredients for Yakult. It is made from pasteurised milk fermented using live kefir cultures. Flavored kefir contains sugar, flavourings, and other ingredients that improve its taste.
Is Yakult the Same as Kefir?
Both Yakult and Kefir contain probiotics that are good for your health, but they aren’t the same. Kefir is a probiotic drink that contains many different strains of bacteria.
Yakult can also be made by fermenting the milk with Lactobacillus Casei Shirota, while Kefir can be made by adding Kefir grains to the milk and allowing it ferment.
Yakult has added sugar, while plain kefir is not sweetened.
Yakult and Kefir: Nutritional Value
Yakult 100ml has the following nutritional values:
- Energy: 66 Kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Which saturates 0g
- Carbohydrates : 15.4g
- Sugars of the following type: 13.6 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Salt: 0.04g
Yakult is a 65ml bottle that contains 43 kcals, 10g carbs, 8g sugars and 0.8g protein.
Nutritional values of unflavoured Kefir are as follows:
- Energy: 59 Kcal
- Fat: 2.9 grams
- The saturating amount is: 2.1 g
- Carbohydrates : 4.6g
- Which sugars: 2.8g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Salt: 0.1g
There are some differences between kefir (yogurt) and kefir (kefir).
Both Kefir and Yakult have a low salt and fat content. Yakult contains no fat, whereas unflavored Kefir does. Both products also contain live bacteria that may have beneficial effects on the digestive system.
There are some differences between the products. Yakult contains more energy per 100ml compared to Kefir. It has 66kcal as opposed to Kefir’s only 59kcal. Yakult has a higher sugar and carbohydrate content, with 13.6g sugars and 15.4g carbs per 100ml. Kefir only contains 4.6g carbs and 2g sugars. Kefir, on the other hand, has a higher content of protein per 100ml, with 3.5g compared to Yakult’s 1.3g.
Yakult is available in a standard 65ml size bottle, whereas Kefir comes in different sizes and flavors. Kefir’s nutritional value can differ depending on its brand and type.
Yakult and Kefir: Probiotic content
Yakult and Kefir both contain probiotics (live bacteria cultures), which can be beneficial to the digestive tract. The types of probiotics present in each product vary.
Yakult is a probiotic drink that contains Lactobacillus Shirota. This strain has been extensively researched for its health benefits. This strain is particularly resistant to stomach acids and bile. It can survive digestion and reach the intestines where it colonizes and has beneficial effects. The health benefits of this strain include improved digestion, immunity and mental health.
Kefir is usually a mixture of probiotics strains, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Other strains include Lactobacillus Casei and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus. Some Kefir products contain more strains of probiotics while others have a different combination of the same strains.
Probiotics have been shown to support healthy immunity and improve gut health. They are also effective at treating diarrhea. However, the effects can vary depending on what type of diarrhea you have.
Kefir contains specific strains that have been shown to help with certain conditions. Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Casei are all beneficial in improving the symptoms of IBS.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is beneficial in treating upper respiratory infection (URI) and Lactobacillus Acidophilus helps prevent and treat vaginal bacteria.
The potential health benefits of probiotic strains have not been fully studied. More research is required to fully understand the effects they may have on the body.
Probiotics also have different effects on each individual, depending upon factors like age, diet and general health. Kefir, when combined with these probiotic strains may provide a wide range of benefits for the digestive system as well as overall health.
Yakult and Kefir are effective in supporting gut health
The probiotics found in Yakult or Kefir have been shown to improve gut health on a variety of levels. They may, for example, help balance the microbiome of the gut by increasing the beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria. This can result in improved digestion, decreased inflammation, and a better immune system.
Both Yakult and Kefir are effective at promoting gut health. However, their effectiveness can vary based on the individual as well as the strains of probiotics that they contain.
Diet and lifestyle can also have an impact on gut health. Regular exercise and a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fibre can help improve gut function.
Yakult and Kefir have many health benefits.
Consuming Yakult or Kefir could have additional benefits. Some studies have shown that Lactobacillus Casei Shirota (the probiotic strain in Yakult) may reduce abdominal fat, and improve cholesterol levels.
Kefir also contains probiotics, which may improve absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body. It is also a great source of B vitamins and calcium.
Yakult or Kefir consumption may also improve mental health. Probiotics have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety in some studies.
Both Yakult and Kefir are beneficial to add to any diet. They can help to improve gut health, and may also provide other health benefits. It’s important to remember that the effects of probiotics can vary based on individual differences and strains.
What is better for you: Kefir or Yakult?
Which one is best for you? It is ultimately up to you which one of Yakult or kefir you choose.
Both Yakult & kefir are probiotic drinks that support digestion and boost immunity. Yakult, a specialized probiotic beverage, contains one specific type of bacteria. Kefir, on the other hand, is a fermented milk product that contains many different bacterial strains.
Yakult is a good choice if you like a milder tasting drink with a sweeter taste. It’s easy to find at supermarkets. It does contain sugar, so those who are watching their sugar intake should avoid it. Kefir is a great option if you want a probiotic that’s more natural and versatile.
Both Yakult and Kefir are excellent for gut health and can be added to your diet.
