Dessert Turned Medicine?
A recent study found that adding honey to yogurt helps the beneficial bacteria in yogurt survive longer in the GI tract. This finding supports the ancient Greek recognition of honey as a medicinal food, valued for over 2,000 years.
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, bacteria found in yogurt, are crucial for a healthy gut microbiome and can enhance bowel function throughout digestion. The study highlights that up to 25% of Americans experience unsatisfactory bowel function, indicating significant digestive issues for many.
The study compared yogurt with honey to yogurt with sugar over two 2-week periods. Although the study didn’t achieve all its goals, it did show that yogurt with honey increased Bifidobacterium animalis levels in participants’ stools. The authors suggest future research should include individuals with specific digestive issues like constipation or IBS.
Chris Kresser, co-founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine, noted that while the study’s outcomes were mixed, honey’s health benefits are well-documented.