Today I learned... yogurt drinks in Japan

LG21 and R-1 yogurt drinks

To most of us in the west, yogurts are a healthier option to everything...

for example, frozen yogurt is always better than ice cream, a yogurt-based salad dressing is always a better choice than regular dressing... etc.

But today I learned in Japan, yogurt is much healthier than we think.

Have you ever noticed the weird code names: LG21 and R-1? They are actually different specimens of bacteria contained in the yogurt drink.

LG21 is supposed to help with stomach problems and strengthen it. Some say it even prevents stomach cancer. It is also a type of probiotic yogurt.

R-1 is supposed to help boost your immune system so that you won't get sick during the flu seasons

Yakult

Yakult is supposed to help build your immune system and improve your digestive system (this is also the reason why it is much more expensive compared to other yogurt drinks)... a lot of Japanese swear by this and are willing to pay the extra yen because of its effectiveness.

Some of my students have even claimed that eating yogurt daily has helped them conquer their hay fever. (I wasn't aware of which yogurt it was though).

So the next time you are choosing a yogurt... aside from the taste, think about what health benefits you want :)