If you’re shopping for yogurt for weight loss, it’s important to choose products that are low in sugar and high in protein. In fact, research suggests that adding protein to your snacks can lead to greater weight loss over time. As a famous brand that makes plenty of probiotic products, many people wonder if Activia is good for weight loss — or even good at helping you lose weight.
Activia yogurt can help with weight loss in various ways, depending on each individual’s diet and lifestyle. It can promote gut health, preventing obesity-related inflammation and helping with a healthy appetite. It contains probiotics, protein, and calcium.
As with most foods marketed as being good for weight loss, there’s no evidence that any yogurts have a greater impact on your waistline in one way or another. The main thing you need to remember when considering whether or not such foods are appropriate for your diet and your weight-loss goals are their calorie content. Read on to find out more…
What Is Activia?
Activia is a popular yogurt brand that contains the goodness of probiotics. It is made using Bifidus Regularis bacteria and helps prevent gas, bloating, rumbling, discomfort, and other indigestion symptoms. Taking this good regularly can safeguard against health issues like bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy.
Activia is a probiotic yogurt that is developed by Danone, one of the leading yogurt companies in the world. The company markets Activia as a supplement for boosting your digestive system, improving your digestion, and aiding in weight loss. It is completely natural and free from additives or preservatives.
But is Activia good for weight loss? If you want to know, keep reading further!
How Did Activia Start?
Activia is a probiotic yogurt created by Danone, one of the leading yogurt companies in the world. They first introduced Activia in the United States in 2006, and by 2013, the supplement had been sold in more than 70 countries.
The company markets Activia as a supplement for boosting your digestive system, improving your digestion, and aiding in weight loss. There are no official clinical studies that have proven the claims of Activia. However, since it is a probiotic, it is safe to consume.
The main ingredient of Activia is bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic bacteria found mainly in yogurt. Other ingredients in Activia include maltodextrin, milk protein, acacia gum, stearic acid, lactose, vegetable protein, inulin, water, and minerals.
Activia Products
There are seven flavors of original Activia:
- Three flavors of Activia Fiber
- Eight flavors of Activia Light
- Four flavors of Activia Dessert
- Four flavours of Activia Parfait Crunch
The company also produces yogurt-based beverages in five flavors that are sold in 7 oz. bottles.
An original Activia yogurt serving, equal to one small container, or 113 g, has 120 calories, 2 g of total fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 60 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, 22 g of total carbohydrates with 18 g of sugars and 4 g of protein.
Source: Livestrong.com
Is Activia Good for Weight Loss?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the benefits of Activia yogurt for weight loss may vary depending on the person’s specific body composition and activity habits.
Some studies have shown that Activia can help promote weight loss and may even be better than other yogurts for this purpose.
The nutrients and probiotics in Activia are known to be very useful in regulating the digestive tract. A study on obesity facts found that yogurt with probiotic low-fat, fermented with lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidus ActiRegularis, and streptococcus thermophilus can help to reduce weight.
Also, bearing in mind that what affects weight loss depends on caloric intake, one of the most excellent ways to get started with a weight loss plan is by introducing Activia to the daily diet.
Note that the Activia yogurt has different caloric content dependent on the type you decide to go for. Generally, one can get as low as 60 calories from Activia light variant and 90 calories from the Activia yogurt vanilla variant.
On the other hand, Greek Vanilla yogurt with larger containers offers 140 calories.
Thus, for anyone looking forward to reducing the calorie intake as a weight loss approach, it is worth going for the low-calorie content activity light. Doing this is a guarantee that it will happen.
By reducing daily calorie uptake by 500-1000, one can shed about one to two pounds each week. Again, if looking for something more effective for weight loss, it is necessary to go for supplements that have been clinically proven to do the job without a lot of struggle.
Is Activia Yogurt a Good Weight-Loss Starter?
The claims made by Activia are similar to those of other probiotic supplements. Probiotics are supposed to provide your body with more “friendly” gut bacteria, which are supposed to aid digestion, aid in weight loss, and improve immune function.
The main ingredient in Activia is bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic bacteria found mainly in yogurt. Bifidobacteria are claimed to be good for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome and are often added to yogurts to increase their bacteria.
These bacteria are also added to Activia Kids for kids who may have to have a bottle changed more often.
What Ingredients Are Found in Activia?
Activia yogurt contains many ingredients that can be harmful to the body once taken in large quantities. Knowing each of them is very helpful. Here are nutrients one can find in Activia.
Activia Yogurt
Typically, Activia is the major ingredient in probiotic yogurt. It is synthesized from Bifidus Regularis, which is a variant of Bifidobacterium. The Activia bacteria may help regulate the enteric system.
Sugar
The common sugars used in Activia are aspartate, fructose, and sucralose. Fructose is a natural sugar form that is excellent for human health. Nevertheless, note that even natural sugar can be harmful to the body once consumed in large quantities.
On the other hand, sucralose and aspartate sugar are only helpful to the body when taken in low amounts.
Reduced Fat Milk
Activia yogurt contains 1% low-fat milk.
Modified Food Starch
Another name for this is starch derivatives. This starch can be used in foods and pharmaceuticals as well. It can be used to stabilize, emulsify, and thicken food products. Another role of starch is to change the texture of the food products.
Kosher Gelatin
Generally, gelatin is a flavorless and translucent food substance derived from the collagen of animal by-products like bones. Gelatin can be used in food industries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and photography.
It is used to enhance the viscosity of food products. Gelatin obtained from kosher species like fish is the only one permitted to be used in yogurts and other dairy products.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from the blood into the bones to increase bone density. This helps prevent different disorders and diseases in the body. It is added to the yogurt to boost its nutritional value.
Lactic Acid
This acid is mainly found in sour milk and helps convert milk into yogurt. No yogurt lacks lactic acid.
Sodium Citrate
Mainly, sodium is made by the reaction of sodium with citric acid. Sodium citrate adds a slightly salty and sour taste to food products. When added to yogurt, it acts as a preservative.
The Health Benefits of Activia
Generally, Activia is a type of yogurt manufactured by Groupe Danone. It includes probiotics, which are a form of supplement responsible for regulating total body health by maintaining the bacterial levels in the body.
The following are some of the major health benefits of Activia in the body.
Aids in Digestion
After consuming Activia, many people have reported less bloating and uncomfortable abdominal pain. This is because this yogurt significantly improves the absorption process of minerals and vitamins in the small intestine.
This, in return, helps to boost the digestion process.
Enhances the Immune System Functions
The primary ingredients in this yogurt, probiotics, help enhance the immune system and prevent inflammation. In addition to that, it effectively prevents eczema in children and limits the chances of repetition in bladder cancer.
Recently, it has been found that the probiotics available in this yogurt encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Also, these probiotics minimized the conversion of bile into cancer-causing substances commonly known as carcinogens. It also boosts immunity by regulating lymphocytes and antibodies.
Enhances Body Health
Generally, Activia is one of the best artificial probiotic sources; microorganisms naturally exist in the gastrointestinal tract. There are bacteria kept to help the body’s immune system in the gastrointestinal tract.
The primary role of bacteria is to protect the body against any foreign microbes like yeast infection. Thus, when one consumes Activia, there is high chance of maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Prevents Complications in Pregnant Mothers
During pregnancy, consuming Activia helps to prevent the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Typically, bacteria vaginosis is a dangerous bacteria that thrive in the vagina.
While many females suffering from this bacteria do not exhibit symptoms, it is necessary to know that these bacteria are more susceptible to numerous health complications during pregnancy.
For instance, one can suffer from postpartum endometritis and pre-term labor. Therefore, eating Activia can help eliminate harmful bacteria from the vagina, reduce the risk of different complications during pregnancy, and improve immunity.
Promotes Bone Health
This is another benefit of Activia for pregnant mothers. It is essential to have strong and healthy bones when one is pregnant. Activia has a good amount of calcium, a good mineral that enhances robust bone health.
Besides, consuming Activia is vital as it fights mineral loss and helps the nerves and muscles to function effectively.
Possible Side Effects of Activia
Consumers might experience minor issues upon consuming this yogurt. These issues include gas, rumbling, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
It is no longer news that probiotic bacteria available in good yogurts help fight harmful and unwanted bugs in the intestinal tract, like yeast, fungi, and parasites. Nevertheless, it is impossible to ignore the side effects of Activia yogurt consumption.
These may include the following:
Diabetic Issues
Note that certain Activia yogurt flavors have high sugar content. When a person with diabetes consumes this yogurt, there is a high chance of experiencing challenges with their blood sugar level.
This is why we recommend working out on the sturdy SereneLife Portable foldable trampoline if you are diabetic.
Gas
In the medical world, passing gas is referred to as flatulence. This is commonly known as farting. Excessive gas formation is another significant side effect of consuming Activia yogurt.
When experiencing these side effects, it usually is embarrassing and uncomfortable. The gas in the body occurs due to the probiotics in the yogurt increasing intestinal activity.
Some of the possible effects of excessive gas include bloating, pain, and abdominal discomfort. Typically, this yogurt is ordinarily full of indigestible carbs broken in the gut. Once this happens, many gases are passed out and cause pain and abdominal distension.
Worsening Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
This is another possible side effect of consuming excess Activia yogurt. Lactose is the major protein that is naturally found in milk. When consumed in the gut, it breaks down into digestible sugars.
For a person who has lactose intolerance, this enzyme is quite deficient. This might sound unserious, but when a person with this issue consumes Activia yogurt, there are chances of developing severe conditions.
When lactose is not digested, you might experience severe diarrhea, flatulence, and excruciating abdominal cramps. You should not use Activia products if these are some of the conditions you will experience.
Bloating
Generally, bloating is distension or swelling of the belly. A person with a bloating stomach feels like their stomach is tight and complete. It is possible to associate bloating with pain and gas. In addition to that, there might be an increase in the stomach growling sound.
Consuming Activia leads to bloating because it increases intestinal function associated with probiotics available in the yogurt. It also occurs when the yogurt bacteria break down the sugars in the food.
Poor Immune System
Typically, Activia yogurts have healthy probiotics for people whose immune system is intact. These beneficial bacteria can cause severe infections in a person whose immune system is not working correctly. The function of the immune system is to help regulate the bacteria amount in the intestine.
However, if the immune system is defective, the unchecked grown bacteria can cause havoc on the body. For any person with immune-suppressing therapy, like patients with HIV or rheumatoid arthritis, the use of this yogurt can cause serious consequences.
How to Take Activia: How Often Should I Eat Activia?
There is no set daily schedule for Activia. However, it is recommended to take two or three servings every day to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
You can also mix it into smoothies or yogurt for an extra boost of probiotics.
You can use Activia as a meal replacement when you are on the go, or you can simply add it to your daily diet as part of your healthy eating plan. In either case, it will provide you with an intestinal boost that can help to keep you regular and healthy.
The recommended amount to consume per day varies depending on your needs, but most people consume it daily as part of a healthy diet or as a meal replacement. The best time to consume Activia is in the morning, before breakfast, but you can also eat it throughout the day if you want to.
Activia Alternatives
There are so many weight loss supplements available on the market today. Some can give you quick results, but at the end of the day, they are not good for you. One way to find the best weight loss supplement is by finding a supplement that has proven results and is safe to use.
One such supplement is Metagenics Advanced Probiotic. Metagenics Advanced Probiotic is a probiotic that is completely natural and free from additives or preservatives. It is manufactured by Metagenics, a company that has been in the market for over 30 years.
It is said to be a blend of 16 probiotic strains that work together to help improve digestion, increase vitamin absorption, and decrease inflammation. This supplement also has prebiotic oligosaccharides that help increase the good bacteria in your gut.
There are many yogurts on the market that can be used as an alternative to Activia. These include regular yogurt and Greek yogurt, which has a thicker consistency than regular yogurt.
While probiotic drinks are good for digestive health, they are not good for lactose intolerance or for people who are allergic to dairy. Additionally, some people may not be able to tolerate probiotics due to medical conditions like ulcerative colitis. If you have these conditions, you should talk with your doctor before trying probiotics.
If you’re looking for something with fewer calories, try low-fat or non-dairy options instead. If you’re looking for something with more protein, look for yogurt with at least 8 grams of protein per serving.
If you’re looking for something with more calcium, look for yogurt with at least 200 milligrams of calcium per serving. And if you’re looking for something with less sugar, look for yogurt with 25 grams of sugar per serving.
Non-dairy yogurt alternatives are plentiful. From soy to coconut, it’s possible to find a tasty alternative that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
One of the most common non-dairy yogurt options is soy yogurt. Soy has many health benefits, including being low in calories and fat-free. It’s also a good source of protein, calcium, and fiber.
Other non-dairy yogurts include coconut yogurt and almond yogurt. While they’re all vegan, they’re not all the same. Read the labels carefully to ensure you’re getting the right kind for your nutritional needs!
Activia Reviews: What Users Are Saying
By far, the most common negative response to Activia has been that it doesn’t work. This is not surprising given the fact that Activia contains no active ingredients and simply consists of a bunch of vitamins and minerals. For this reason, many users have found the product ineffective at relieving symptoms and are unable to recommend it to others.
Even more, users have reported being disappointed by the product’s taste or texture. While some have found it to be quite palatable, others have described it as bitter or chalky.
Other than these few concerns, however, most users have been pleased with their experience with Activia. They’ve found the product to be effective at reducing inflammation and pain while also helping them maintain healthy gut health.
Many customers have also raved about the product’s value-added features, including its convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Activia Product Warnings
Activia is a good yogurt with many excellent bugs known as Bifidus Regularis. This bacteria is suitable for replacing the good bugs removed by antibodies from the flora of the bowels.
But, because it contains other bacteria, such as lactobacillus, there are several critical things one must take note of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Activia work if I consume one serving a day?
When consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, Activia can help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort. Minor digestive discomfort includes rumbling, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating.
Is Activia a good probiotic?
Typically, probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that provide health benefits beyond essential nutrition once consumed in sufficient quality. Probiotics work to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract by helping to create healthy intestinal bacteria. Activia is commonly known as a delicious probiotic yogurt.
Is Activia yogurt better than other yogurts?
Activia yogurt contains Bifidus regularis. Danone trademarks this probiotic strain, which is not available in other yogurts. Its primary role in this yogurt is to speed wastes through the digestive system and boost immunity in the intestines more effectively than different strains do.
Does Activia cause diarrhea?
Activia yogurt contains probiotics. It is normal to have adverse effects such as mild stomach, bloating, gas, or diarrhea when you take probiotics for the first time. These issues can be resolved by continued use of this yogurt because the body will get used to the presence of the probiotic.
Is Activia low-fat yogurt good for you? Is Activia yogurt healthy?
Activia products are healthy because they are non-fat or low-fat probiotic yogurts. These yogurts contain billions of patented probiotic cultures.
When is the best time to eat Activia yogurt?
In the morning, on an empty stomach is the best time to eat Activia yogurt because it will help you start the day with a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system.
How many calories are in Activia yogurt?
According to Livestrong.com, an original Activia yogurt serving, equal to one small container, or 113 g, has 120 calories, 2 g of total fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 60 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, 22 g of total carbohydrates with 18 g of sugars and 4 g of protein.
Does Activia help with constipation?
In some people with constipation, feeding probiotics (such as Activia) may help relieve symptoms. Probiotics are live microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi) that can be found in foods such as yogurt, cheese, fermented vegetables, and certain supplements. Some studies on adults have found the products to be helpful in alleviating chronic constipation.
Can dogs eat Activia yogurt?
Yogurt is usually considered safe for canine consumption, as long as it is non-fat and provided in sufficient amounts. However, Activia yogurt is not a substitute for quality dog food. For healthy dogs, it can be an occasional treat or part of a balanced diet. If your dog has a compromised digestive system or any other medical condition, speak with your veterinarian first before giving Activia yogurt as a dietary supplement.
Is Activia yogurt good for acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a common digestive condition that can cause discomfort and even pain in the chest. Yogurt is often seen as a healthy food option because it contains high amounts of probiotics, which help to fight off both bacteria and viruses that cause acid reflux. Activia yogurt, smoothie drinks, and yogurts with fibre, cereal, or granola can help promote regularity, aid in digestion, and perhaps help prevent acid reflux.
Is Activia yogurt good for diabetics?
Yogurt is a good choice for people with Type 2 diabetes because it contains both carbohydrates and proteins. The carbohydrates in yogurt will slow down the rise in blood glucose levels after eating a meal, while the protein will help to stabilize blood glucose levels throughout the day. However, it is important to remember that yogurt does contain some sugar. If you are diabetic, try to choose low-sugar or sugar-free options when possible. According to Medical News Today, there is evidence that probiotics may help to reduce inflammation in the body. Therefore, lowering the risk of certain diabetes complications may be achieved.
Is Activia yogurt gluten-free?
According to Danone, the only two product lines in the Activia line that contain gluten are Activia Breakfast Pots and Activia Grains and Nuts.
Is Activia good for kids?
According to Activia Canada, Activia is suitable for everyone, including children who want to eat a balanced diet.
Is Activia lactose-free?
Activia lactose-free yogurt is now available. Try the Activia Lactose-Free range for an elegant smooth texture and delicate flavor.
How much protein is in Activia yogurt?
According to Livestrong.com, an original Activia yogurt serving, equal to one small container, or 113 g, has 120 calories, 2 g of total fat, 5 mg of cholesterol, 60 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, 22 g of total carbohydrates with 18 g of sugars and 4 g of protein.
Can Activia cause diarrhea?
Gas, bloating, mild stomach upset, or diarrhea are common when taking probiotics for the first time. Once your body gets accustomed to the probiotics, these problems will go away.
Can you freeze Activia yogurt?
Activia yogurt can be frozen, just like any other type of yogurt. Freezing your extra yogurt stock prolongs its shell life and keeps the active cultures from working against you.
Does Activia help with diarrhea?
According to Livestrong.com, probiotics in yogurt may help reduce the length and severity of diarrhea. Probiotics cause the body to produce more white blood cells, which fight off infections.
Is Activia yogurt good for IBS?
There isn’t strong evidence that probiotics can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, studies have found little evidence that probiotics can reduce gas in people with IBS.
How long is Activia good after the expiry date?
3-10 days, according to most sources. According to the USDA, yogurt should be eaten within 1-2 weeks of purchase.
Does Activia have fiber?
Activia provides 3 grams of fiber in a 4 oz. serving.
Does Activia have xylitol?
Xylitol is frequently used in yogurts as an artificial sweetener. Finding out whether Activia yogurt contains xylitol is a bit tricky. No such information is available on the Activia website or the FDA.
Does Activia cause gas?
Lactobacillus is a friendly bacterium found in Activia. As much as it is friendly, it can cause gas and bloating.
The Bottom Line on Activia
Activia is a probiotic yogurt with live bacteria that’s claimed to help improve digestion and calm intestinal gas.
The probiotics in Activia are made up of four strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Streptococcus thermophilus.
These strains are thought to improve digestion by improving the production of bile acids, which break down fat in the small intestine. This can help prevent digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
However, there isn’t strong evidence that probiotics can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, studies have found little evidence that probiotics can reduce gas in people with IBS.
Because there is little evidence that probiotics can treat IBS symptoms effectively, it’s important to discuss your diet and lifestyle changes with your doctor before choosing a probiotic supplement.
In some cases, people with lactose intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease may have trouble digesting Activia. It’s best to talk to your doctor before trying it if you have any of these conditions.
There are some potential side effects associated with Activia, like bloating and gas. It’s best to take Probiotics on an empty stomach so you don’t experience any of these side effects.
