Yogurt and Honey are a Perfect Pairing

Here is some sweet news: Researchers stationed at the University of Illinois suggest that clover honey, when mixed with yogurt, can significantly improve the survival of beneficial bacteria in our digestive systems. The journey of probiotics found in fermented foods like yogurt through our digestive system is fraught with challenges. For instance, the acidic environment of the stomach can reduce the number of live microorganisms reaching the gut, diminishing their potential health benefits. But, as reported in The Journal of Nutrition, honey, in particular the clover variety, contains various components that appear to work together to create a more favorable environment for probiotics as they pass through the stomach and intestines.

Clover honey seems to stand out because of its unique chemical profile, which includes higher levels of certain sugars and phenolic compounds that seem to offer extra protection to the beneficial bacteria found in yogurt. The study authors believe that adding one tablespoon of honey to a bowl of unsweetened yogurt helps support probiotic survival. Since researchers focused on only one type of probiotic, B. animalis, and one type of honey, future research should explore how other probiotics and different types of honey interact.