A "fermented milk" is a dairy product obtained from different types of milk by fermentation with specific live and active micro-organisms.

Three types of lactic acid bacteria are used: lactobacilli, lactococci and bifidobacteria. The type of bacteria used gives the product specific properties.

Yoghurt is fermented milk. It is inoculated with two bacteria: Lactobacillus bulgaricus (for acidity) and Streptococcus thermophilus (for flavour). If you add bifidobacteria, it is no longer yoghurt.

Bifidus is a bacterium commonly used in the food industry as a lactic starter. These bacteria are present in the human intestinal flora where they take part in the final digestion and are therefore not essential for the body. 

The presence of these bacteria is interesting because they can have beneficial effects on the body.

What are the benefits of bifidus fermented milk?

Probiotics are products that contain living micro-organisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that have a beneficial effect on the body.

Bifidus fermented milk is a probiotic. Their enzymes help to maintain the balance of the intestinal flora. If consumed regularly, they help to maintain good transit. They also help to combat flatulence and stomach pains.

At certain stages of life, the so-called "good" bacteria in the intestines are reduced. This is the case with the use of antibiotics, severe fatigue, poor diet or a period of great stress. This leads to poorer digestion of food and often a decline in physical fitness. Thanks to its probiotic action, the consumption of fermented milk with bifidus helps to maintain the balance of the intestinal flora by restoring the number of bacteria. In these cases, their consumption can improve the state of tiredness and health.

They also improve digestion and reduce the effects of lactose intolerance. Lactose, the sugar naturally present in milk, is the cause of this intolerance. Bifidus allows lactase, the necessary enzyme that the intolerant person lacks, to work. The lactose is therefore predigested. This significantly reduces intolerance reactions.

The consumption of fermented milk with bifidus also plays an important role in the immune system. Bacteria interact with the cells of the immune system. A balanced microbiota is therefore essential for good health. Without microbiota, or with an unbalanced microbiota, the immune system is compromised. 

Bifidus fermented milks are not "weight loss" products. They do not make you lose weight in any way or eliminate this or that toxin. They are not "detox" foods. However, they clearly contribute to better digestion and promote good intestinal transit. They can therefore reduce bloating, stomach pain and allow better elimination. 

They also help to maintain a good number of bacteria for the intestinal flora over the years. These effects are interesting and only noticeable when taken daily.

What are the sources of bifidus?

Bifidus is a probiotic that is not naturally found in food, unlike other bacteria such as lactobacillus, which is naturally found in yoghurt.

However, there are many dairy products that are fortified with bifidus. These products have no right to be called "yoghurt" because they are not made with the right ferments. We find these products under the name "fermented milk with bifidus" or "milk speciality with bifidus". The best way to be sure is to look at the list of ingredients, where the yeast used is mentioned. Look for "bifidus" or "bifidobacterium" to recognise them.

These products are usually made from whole milk. The nutritional value is about the same as a traditional natural yoghurt made from semi-skimmed milk. The important thing is to prefer these natural dairy products. If they are flavoured or fruit-flavoured, a lot of sugar is added. On average, we find the equivalent of 2 to 3 sugar cubes per glass. Choose them plain and flavour them at home with sugar, honey, fruit, vanilla or another ingredient of your choice.