Curdled Milk

Yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures may help to live longer, and may fortify the immune system.

Research studies have shown that increased yogurt consumption, particularly in immuno compromised populations such as the elderly, may enhance the immune response, which would in turn increase resistance to immunerelated diseases.

The origins of yogurt lie in the isolated Caucasus Mountains of Russia, but to-day this milk product has a prominent place in the dairy case of most grocery stores.

Yogurt was one of the first foods that were promoted widely because of its possible health benefits. In 1908 E. Metchnikov wrote in his book 'The Prolongation of Life' that the secret to longevity that he found in the Russian mountains was the yogurt that the people were making and eating. Since that time, many people have questioned the scientific validity of this conclusion, but the advent of probiotics has changed that. There is a growing body of evidence that probiotics or foods that contain live bacteria are good for the health.

Ingredients

Although milk of various animals has been used for yogurt production in various parts of the world, most of the industrialized yogurt production uses cow's milk. Whole milk, partially skimmed milk, skim milk or cream may be used. In order to ensure to make a fine yogurt the milk should have a low bacteria count. It should be free from antibiotics, sanitizing chemicals, mastitis milk, colostrums, and rancid milk. Special care should be given to the milk so that there will not be any contamination by bacteriophages.

Other yogurt ingredients may include other dairy products like concentrated skim milk, non-fat dry milk, whey, lactose.