Yakult

Yakult or “Yakult probiotic drink” is a familiar drink to many kids and adults alike. A small sweet beverage that came from Japan during the 1930’s, now spread all around 40 more countries around the world. This Japanese probiotic drink is made with milk and the fermented bacteria “Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota” creating the sweet healthy drink enjoyed before or after meals or any time of the day. Drank by many for it’s benefits to the stomach, mainly for better digestion and to keep from constipation. Nowadays, you can find them enjoyed by adding these into drinks like iced teas, alcoholic beverages, healthy smoothies, or turned into slushies.

A short introduction

The Yakult drink was created in 1935 by Minoru Shirota, a Japanese Scientist who decided to mix a batch of strained lactic acid bacteria which has Lactobacillus casei (adding “Shirota” after the bacteria’s name later on, naming it after the scientist) and milk, which created this sweet healthy drink that helps digestion and strengthen immunity. This product which was approved was then named “Yakult” from the Japanese word “jahurto” meaning “yogurt”. The product was packaged in glass bottles. These were distributed from Japan to Taiwan for a long while before being distributed to Brazil, then to everywhere else in the world, now around 40 countires. Depending on which country the bottles might range to 62 ml to 100 ml bottles. The main bacteria used to make the drink will all still come from Japan.

A list of Yakult ingredients which are: water, skimmed milk, sucrose, glucose-fructose syrup, natural flavoring (citrus), and the ingredient that helps ferment it into the drink we all know “Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota” a bacteria originally classified as “Lactobacillus casei”. In the Philippines, this drink is packaged in a 2.7 oz plastic bottle with the red Yakult logo around it, sealed with the thick foil compressed on top with the logo printed in red. These are typically sold by 5’s but some can also find them sold by street vendors, sari-sari stores or convenience stores per bottle. In some counties they are sold in vending machines by 2’s. In grocery stores where they are sold per pack, they have options such as regular and light (in the blue packaging) which is introduced as a less sugar, low calorie alternative. In Singapore they have different colored drinks depending on the flavor, the Yakult flavors are as follows: green apple, grape, and orange. In Hong Kong they have Yakult LT which is high in fiber compared to other countries.

In recent years, you can find this drink mixed into many other popular drinks such as the popular “Yakult soju” or “soju Yakult” mixing soju, ice, then the probiotic drink on top to make a nice gradient, sometimes adding syrup or the alchohol having flavoring for an extra touch of sweetness. For non-alcoholic drinks you can find them added or poured into shakes, slushies, and smoothies for that extra boost of probiotics, some add them into iced teas for a nice summer refresher, with some simply freezing the drink in the fridge to make Yakult popsicles, sometimes even ice candy (the Filipino version of an ice pop).

Yakult Benefits and Side Effects

“Is Yakult good for you?” or “What does Yakult do to the body?” This small sweet drink with around 50 calories per serving is a nice way to add some probiotics into your system. From benefiting the digestive system to preventing cholesterol and building up immunity. Below are some examples on what this fermented milk-drink can do for you:

• Boosts digestion, the good bacteria from the drink helps promote a better digestion which in turn prevents diarrhea and constipation.
• Because of the lactic acid, plus helping the stomach from many other problems. It can elevate your mood. Keeping you from feeling anxious, stressed and depressed.
• Because it helps with the gut and mood, and many more problems like cholesterol it can boost your immune system.
• With a stronger immune system, some studies show that drinking probiotic drinks like Yakult can have effects like having anti-cancer properties.
• What are Yakult benefits for the skin? Having a good gut can benefit the whole body. Since this drink has probiotics it can help manage skin problems or conditions as well as reduce acne from popping up.

* Yakult side effects? 

• Since this is fermented milk with live bacteria cultures you might experience some bloating.
• Do note that this drink is a dairy product. Meaning that some who are lactose intolerant might need to consult with a doctor before consuming it daily.
• Because it does have a good amount of bacteria cultures, those with weak immunity might have problems from the sudden intake. These might cause headaches or stomach problems. Consult a doctor, and start with a low dose of probiotics that suits you.

Questions:

• When is Yakult best taken? How many Yakult per day?

The best time to drink Yakult is any time of the day. Drink it before or after meals, or any time you’d like. Drink only 1 to 2 bottles a day as recommended.

• Is Yakult good for diarrhea?

Because this drink does contain Lactobacillus that balances the good and bad bacteria, it can prevent stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea.

• Is Yakult good for UTI?

Yes, probiotics with lactobacillus help prevent bacteria from sticking around the urinary tract which causing UTI.

• Is Yakult good for dogs?

Some dogs might be lactose intolerant and should not be given this probiotic drink. For those that can handle diary well and are not diabetic, they can drink one of these a week. Like humans these can also help give them a healthy digestive system. But do consult your vet beforehand.

• Is Yakult good for pregnant women?

Yakult for pregnant women is absolutely safe.

* Disclaimer: Yummy Kitchen does not have any affiliation to the brand and will not assume any responsibility to the errors or omitted content of this site about this article *