Activia yogurt contains healthy nutrients and probiotics that naturally regulate the digestive system. Along with having many health benefits, some research has shown that it also helps you lose weight. Here, we’ll look at the reviews and scientific evidence to support this claim and whether or not Activia yogurt is good for weight loss.
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Table of Content
What is Activia Yogurt?
Activia is a probiotic yogurt made by the Dannon company. It contains billions of live and active cultures of bacteria, including the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria found in our gut. They are also found in fermented foods. Along with providing various health benefits, probiotics help to regulate digestion and boost immunity.
Dannon’s Activia yogurt also contains calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, which are all important nutrients for maintaining bone health.
1 serving (113g) of low-fat Activia vanilla yogurt provides:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 55mg
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 gram
- Sugars: 12 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Vitamin: D 1.7mcg
- Calcium: 140mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
- Potassium: 170mg
Activia yogurt is available in many different flavors, such as strawberry, blueberry, peach, and mango. It also comes in different types, including low-fat, non-fat, and Greek.
Is Activia Yogurt Good For Weight Loss?
Activia yogurt is not a weight loss supplement, but there is some scientific evidence to suggest that Activia yogurt is good for weight loss. However, you will not see results if you are just relying on it. A healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to lose weight. Activia yogurt will help to speed up the process to achieve the weight loss goal faster.
In a study, over 100 overweight and obese participants (mostly females) were split into two groups. One group consumed one container (125g) of probiotic yogurt per day for 12 weeks while the other group ate a non-probiotic yogurt.
At the end of the study, those in the probiotic group had lost significantly more weight, body fat, and inches from their waistline than the other participants – proving that Activia yogurt helps lose belly fat. They also had lower levels of ghrelin – a hormone that increases appetite, and higher levels of peptide YY – a satiety hormone that reduces hunger.
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How Does Activia Help With Weight Loss?
The main active ingredient in Activia yogurt is Bifidobacterium Lactis, which is a type of bacteria that is typically found in the gut. This strain of bacteria has been shown to help with weight loss in two ways:
- By helping you feel fuller for longer.
- By reducing the number of calories your body absorbs from food.
A study that was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that participants who ate yogurt with bifidobacterium lactis before a meal felt fuller and ate less than those who didn’t eat yogurt at all.
Another study, which was published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that rats who were given bifidobacterium lactis ate less and gained less weight than rats who weren’t given the probiotic.
It’s thought that bifidobacterium lactis works by reducing the amount of time food stays in the gut, which leads to less calorie absorption.
In a 12-week study of 115 people with irritable bowel syndrome, those who ate 2 servings of probiotic yogurt per day lost an average of 3.6% more body fat than those who didn’t eat yogurt.
Best of all, Activia yogurt is low in calories, adding it to your weight loss diet will help you achieve the goal sooner than you expect.
After seeing the effects of these studies, it’s possible that Activia yogurt may help you lose weight by reducing the number of calories your body absorbs.
When Is The Best Time To Eat Activia Yogurt?
You can enjoy a cup of Activia yogurt any time of day. However, some research suggests that the probiotics in yogurt are most effective when taken before a meal.
In one study, people who took probiotics before breakfast consumed significantly fewer calories at lunch than those who took them after breakfast.
Another study showed that taking probiotics before a high-fat meal reduced levels of ghrelin and helped people feel fuller for longer.
So, if you are looking to lose weight with Activia probiotic yogurt, it may be best to enjoy it before meals.
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How Long Does Activia Stay In Your System?
The probiotics in Activia yogurt usually stay in your system for around two days. However, this may vary depending on the individual.
A study in healthy adults showed that the bifidobacteria in probiotic yogurt was only detectable in stool samples for up to 48 hours after consumption.
When consumed regularly, probiotics can colonize the gut and have a longer-lasting effect. Thus, it is advised to eat Activia yogurt regularly to maintain its health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Activia Yogurt
Activia yogurt has many health benefits, including regulating digestion and boosting immunity.
1. Helps with Digestion – The probiotics in Activia yogurt help to regulate digestion by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut. This can help to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Boosts Immunity – Activia yogurt also helps to boost immunity. One study showed that consuming probiotics regularly reduced the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold.
3. May Help with Weight Loss – Probiotics enhance satiety that promotes consuming fewer calories – eventually leading to weight loss.
4. Improves Bone Health – The calcium, vitamin D, and potassium in Activia yogurt help to improve bone health. These nutrients are essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
Side Effects Of Activia Yogurt
Activia yogurt is generally safe for most people to consume. However, it contains probiotics and some people may experience side effects at the initial stages when they start consuming it, such as:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, only if you are taking probiotics for the very first time. If you experience any severe side effects, stop consuming Activia yogurt and speak to your doctor.
Activia Yogurt Pros:
- It may help you lose weight
- It’s a good source of calcium and protein
- It’s low in calories
- It may help reduce the number of calories your body absorbs from food
- It’s a good source of probiotics
Cons:
- It contains sugar
- It’s high in sodium
- It may contain artificial ingredients
Final Words
Activia yogurt is a healthy and nutritious food that can be part of a weight loss diet. The probiotics in it may help you lose weight by reducing the number of calories your body absorbs from food and by helping you feel fuller for longer. To get the most out of Activia yogurt for weight loss, it’s best to eat it before meals.
When you are trying to lose weight, every little bit counts. And adding Activia yogurt to your diet may give you the edge you need to achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
Does Activia work for bloating?
Yes, Activia yogurt can help with bloating. The probiotics in Activia yogurt help to regulate digestion and reduce the amount of gas your body produces. If you are struggling with bloating, try adding a cup of Activia yogurt to your daily diet.
Which yogurt is good for weight loss?
There are many yogurts on the market that claim to be good for weight loss. However, not all of these yogurts are backed by science. Activia yogurt is one of the few yogurts that has been shown to help with weight loss in studies. This yogurt contains probiotics that may help to reduce the number of calories your body absorbs from food.
Can you eat Activia yogurt everyday?
Yes, you can eat Activia yogurt every day. This yogurt is safe to eat on a daily basis and can even be part of a weight loss diet. The probiotics in Activia yogurt may help to reduce the number of calories your body absorbs from food, making it a great addition to any weight loss plan.
What is the Activia 2 week challenge?
The Activia 2 week challenge is a program designed to help you lose weight with Activia yogurt. The challenge involves eating one cup of Activia yogurt every day for two weeks. At the end of the challenge, you should see a reduction in your weight.
Is Activia yogurt keto friendly?
Flavored Activia yogurt contains extra sugar and carbohydrates that may affect your keto diet. Keto diet limits carbs from 20-30 grams per day. Flavored Activia Greek yogurt contains 15 grams of carbs per 113 grams serving. So, it’s best to avoid flavored probiotic yogurt if you are following a keto strictly.
