Probiotics are fermented dairy products containing beneficial bacteria.  Probiotics may help prevent lactose intolerance, diarrhea, constipation, food allergies, and promote weight loss.  Research from Japan showed that people who consumed fermented milk enriched with lactobacillus gasseri for 12 weeks showed a 4.6 percent decrease in body fat and a 2 inch decrease in waist circumference.

Probiotic products are high quality, healthy food.  Part of the protein in these products is converted slowly to blood sugar in the liver, which helps maintain energy levels and fights hunger.  (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, in press; published online March 10, 2010)