More and more products are using probiotics. But what are they? Do we really need them if our bodies create them already? I talked to expert Bill Moses of KeVita about probiotics and why they’re essential for our health.
There’s a mystery to probiotics. The general consumer’s connection to probiotics is a mass marketed yogurt. Why do people need probiotics?
Our body has its own ecology of microbes, collectively known as the gut flora, which are essential for our health. In fact, 80% of our immune system function comes from bacterial activity in the gut. With all that we have going on in our daily lives, it’s easy to let stress take a toll on our bodies. Poor diet, medications, stress, environmental toxins, processed foods, and chemicals all wreak havoc on your digestive tracts.Probiotics help replenish the naturally occurring gut flora and counteract these negative effects. Probiotics strengthen your digestive system and help you properly digest and absorb key nutrients and vitamins from your food. They also help boostyour immune system during cold and flu season, lower cholesterol levels,and alleviate allergies.
Are all probiotics made the same?
It’s most important to choose the right probiotic for your health needs and make sure to get a balanced intake. KeVita is comprised of four strains of live probiotics, plus a signature proprietary KeVita culture, which we believe are complementary and versatile enough to fit any diet and lifestyle.
People confuse acidophilus with probiotics. Why don’t probiotics have to be refrigerated?
It is true that some strains of the bacteria L.acidophilus may be considered to have probiotic characteristics. When combined with a probiotic, acidophilusmakes the probiotic more effective in aiding more than one type of problem within the digestive track. However, it is not actually considered a probiotic itself.
There is a common misunderstanding that probiotics do not have to be refrigerated. Proper refrigeration is actually crucial for all probiotics, as the live bacteria are extremely sensitive to heat and moisture. This is why all of KeVita’s products are kept cold and fresh from start to finish and are always found in the refrigerated section of your local store.
Suddenly there’s an explosion of products containing probiotics. How does the consumer discern which will work for them and where does your company stand in the sector?
What helps our product stand apart from the plethora of probiotic products and beverages in the market today is the fact that it is organic, non-GMO, low-calorie, vegan, dairy free, and gluten-free. It is also the first sparkling probiotic drink of its kind and offers a light, refreshing taste rather than an acidic or vinegary taste of some of our competitor’s offerings.
We’re also very aware of the nutritional content and how that affects the caloric levels in our beverages. We are focused on health and wellness and want to make sure we’re offering a low-calorie option. That’s why all of our flavors are under 45 calories/serving, with most at just 5 or 10 calories/serving with no added sugar.
We also have done extensive research to narrow our probiotic ingredients down to four key and complementary live strains of probiotics: Bacillus coagulans, L.paracasei, L.plantarum, and L.rhamnosus. It is because of this that KeVita is able to be a versatile product to fit any diet, lifestyle and palate. This versatility has enabled us to become the fastest growing brand in the functional beverage category.
How has your company implemented probiotics in your new flavors and drinks?
KeVita was founded off its proprietary culture and four strains of live probiotics. Probiotics are at the heart of what we do; without them, KeVita would not exist. We are such firm believers in the health benefits of live probiotics that we make sure to include these same four strains in all of our drinks, including our new Blueberry Cherry, Hibiscus Berry Daily Cleanse and Tangerine flavors, which will be launched at this year’s Expo West. (Booth 5447)
