Adding honey to yogurt promotes the survival of probiotic bacteria, according to two recent studies conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
These studies reveal that this combination, common in Mediterranean cuisine, could enhance digestive health by increasing the viability of probiotics found in yogurts. The results emphasize the benefit of incorporating a bit of honey into one's diet to boost the benefits of fermented dairy products.
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Yogurts, especially Greek-style ones, contain probiotic strains such as
Bifidobacterium animalis, which improve gut health by regulating transit and stimulating immunity. However, during digestion, enzymes present in the mouth, stomach, and intestines can reduce the survival of these beneficial bacteria.
Researchers, led by Hannah Holscher, questioned whether honey could help preserve these bacteria throughout the digestive process.
In the first study, a lab experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of four varieties of honey (alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, and orange blossom) on the viability of
B. animalis in yogurt during simulated digestion.
The researchers found that yogurt with clover honey, in particular, increased the survival of probiotics during the intestinal phase of digestion. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the simulated digestion phases corresponding to saliva and gastric juices between honey yogurts and control yogurt samples mixed with water or sugar.
Subsequently, a clinical study was conducted with 66 healthy adults. Participants consumed two types of yogurt over two two-week periods: yogurt with clover honey and pasteurized, heat-treated yogurt.
Stool samples were analyzed, and participants completed questionnaires to assess their digestive health, mood, and cognition. The results confirmed that the honey-yogurt combination supported the survival of probiotics in the intestine, thus corroborating the laboratory study findings. However, there was no notable improvement observed in terms of intestinal transit time, stool frequency, or mood and cognition measures.
An additional trial with 36 participants compared the effects of three combinations: yogurt with honey, yogurt with sugar, and plain yogurt. The yogurt with honey showed the best results in terms of preserving probiotics but without any additional health effects.
Although honey can support probiotic survival, Hannah Holscher emphasizes that honey is an added sugar and should be consumed in moderation. She recommends limiting to one spoonful of honey in a bowl of unsweetened yogurt. She also suggests adding fiber such as berries, seeds, or nuts for additional nutritional benefits.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND