We are all aware of the benefits of consuming probiotic supplements. To make things interesting, there’s a wide range of different probiotic yogurts available in different flavors! Help yourselves to it since it replicates the benefits the advantages of probiotic supplements. Probiotic yogurt is obtained from fermented dairy. It is rich and creamy in texture. Packed with beneficial probiotics, it is a well-balanced source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Probiotics are essentially live microorganisms that come with additional health benefits. Thus, it is rightly referred to as a ‘superfood’ in health circles. There are many probiotic yogurt brands in the market today. If a brand sources its dairy from grass-fed cows or goats, then the nutrition level of yogurt is maximized. This makes the yogurt a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, whey protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and other enzymes.

The best probiotic yogurts are made by heating dairy milk to the point of killing the existing bacteria. This process is labeled as pasteurization. After this, a master culture of live bacteria is introduced. The milk is allowed to ferment for several hours until it is thick, creamy, and tart. Here are six proven health benefits of including probiotic yogurt in your diet:

Contributes to the digestion process
The best probiotic yogurts contain a type of healthy bacteria that improve the working of your gut, which as we know is responsible for digestion and a healthy digestive tract. The active cultures introduced to the yogurt helps gastrointestinal conditions like colon cancer, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, and lactose intolerance. Researchers indicate that even individuals struggling with lactose intolerance find yogurt a soothing food, which doesn’t cause any digestive distress to them.

Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Outcomes from researchers are a proof that a higher intake of probiotic yogurt is directly associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, with the best Greek yogurt, probiotics consumption is high, which in turn supports digestion and the absorption of nutrients throughout the digestive tract. This helps in healthy blood sugar regulation in the body.

Lowers the risk of colorectal cancer
The International Journal of Cancer claims that yogurt consumption protects us against colorectal cancer. Yogurt aids in maintaining a healthier digestive tract, due to probiotics and healthy bacteria and thus prevents the body from colorectal cancer.

Enhances bone density and may help prevent osteoporosis
It has been proven that yogurt is a boon for anyone suffering from low bone density and osteoporosis. With the help of adequate nutrition including micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D, these conditions can be mitigated. It has been observed that the combination of calcium and vitamin D has a clear skeletal benefit, provided the dose of vitamin D is sufficiently high.

Aids weight loss and fat loss
Consuming three- to six-ounce servings of probiotic yogurt a day for 12 weeks is likely to double the amount of fat loss. Studies also say that the belly region and the waist circumference are particularly affected by the consumption of probiotic yogurt.

Acts as an immunity booster
Studies conducted around probiotics found that yogurt and other fermented milk products are capable of improving the gut mucosal immune system by increasing cytokine-producing cells in the intestine. This can prevent immune-mediated diseases in childhood. Yogurt’s probiotics also help in keeping the digestive tract free of disease-causing bacteria.

Most probiotic yogurt brands contain strains of healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei and Bifidus. Considering yogurt is a complete food in itself with an abundance of protein, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus and CLA, an essential fatty acid not produced by the body otherwise, every health-minded individual must consume probiotic yogurts to maintain themselves.

Technology has been able to offer fruitful results in every domain of human lives and in recent time, it has reached out to provide the utmost level of comfort through mattresses as well. Various mattress brands have been emerging in the country’s markets to offer the ultimate level of comfort, coziness, and firmness to people who suffer from sleepless nights due to insomnia. Moreover, in order to know which brand can cater to your sleeping requirements, you should compare various brands to get the real picture.

Sleep Number®
Sleep Number® has received much recognition due to its air beds that can be adjusted as per your needs. You can change the support and firmness of the bed that you can offer you ultimate comfort only through a remote control.

• The 360® smart beds and classic series have gained much popularity due to the advanced technology used in them. By using the 360® Smart Beds, you are offered FlexFit™ base which can be adjusted. Moreover, the SleepIQ® technology lets you track your night’s sleep with the score.
• The beds with dual air chambers are ideal for the couples as every user can make bed adjustments as per their preference.
• Each section of the bed comes with a different price range and the basic model starts at around $899. However, the smart beds can cost up to $4,999 because of the cutting-edge technology used in them.
• The company offers you a free trial where you can get uninterrupted 100 nights of sleep.

Saatva Mattress
The key features of this brand make the products stand out from the crowd as sleepers are provided with luxury firm, plush soft, and firm mattress.

• People who prefer to feel enveloped in linens and bed, plush soft mattress just can be the right thing for them.
• Saatva’s luxury firm is for the people who switch positions too often while sleeping. Additionally, getting a hotel-like luxurious mattress is now available in your bedroom.
• Sleepers who tend to sleep on their stomach or back can consider using the firm mattress from Saatva Mattress. Mostly, healthcare professionals recommend sleeping on firm mattresses to avoid the risk of back pain or other physical conditions.

Purple
The hyper-elastic Polymer™ technology used in the mattress makes sure that the mattress has a free air flow feature. Additionally, the Sleep Cool option can relax and calm your mind so that you can naturally get 8 hours of sleep. Durability, non-toxic, and allergen-resistant are other features that offer you an impeccable experience through the products of Purple.

• The unique components such as a Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ or top-layer of the mattress offer pressure relief and bounciness.
• The other layer is made of polyester-lycra, viscose, and polyester that make the mattress breathable.
• The mattresses are similar to latex mattress which has the feature of cool sleeping along with springing back in a jiffy.

Bottom Line
Saatva Mattress, Sleep Number®, and Purple may serve the same purpose but different technology is used in them. If you like to adjust every bed setting, then Sleep Number® can be the ideal option for you. In addition to the context, for pressure-relief and relaxation, Purple has the premium quality mattress to offer. On the contrary, the firm mattresses of Saatva have a thicker comfort layer than Purple.

• The construction of each mattress is different and this leads to various kinds of level of touch and feel.
• Saatva can be the ideal choice if you prefer a traditional and firm mattress over the modern ones. The large mattress has an unbelievable comfort layer.
• The 100 nights free trial offer is available for Sleep Number® and Purple which can enable the buyers to understand how the pressure relief or comfort layer work against their bodies.
• If you have an irregular sleeping pattern, then SleepIQ® technology used in the 360® Smart Beds of Sleep Number® can offer to track your deep sleep pattern. Additionally, the scoring method can help you understand whether your sleeping pattern has improved.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the umbrella term for health conditions involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is primarily categorized into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, which affect one’s moods and involve symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and rectal bleeding. In addition, a person’s food habits and treatment course are crucial in controlling IBD symptoms. Here is some information on UC and Crohn’s disease and foods individuals with these conditions must avoid.

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD involving inflammation in the colon and rectum. Ulcers develop in the rectum and the large intestine’s inner lining, causing severe pain and discomfort. Individuals with UC may experience symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and an inability to defecate despite feeling the urge.

Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an IBD characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It typically begins with the small intestine, progressing to the large intestinal lining. The affected areas usually appear as patches in the latter condition. Moreover, while UC only affects the large intestine’s innermost lining, Crohn’s can occur in any part of the tract.

Foods to avoid
Changing one’s nutritional habits is crucial in managing IBDs like UC and Crohn’s disease. It is because certain food items tend to trigger flare-ups among people diagnosed with these conditions. Here are some foods one should avoid if diagnosed with these conditions.

Raspberries
A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, a no-no for individuals with UC and Crohn’s. Replacing high-fiber fruits like raspberries with low-fiber alternatives, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, peaches, and fresh fruit juices without pulp, will help ease symptoms.

Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which is difficult to digest. It helps to avoid such veggies and replace them with more easily digestible alternatives like asparagus tips, cucumber, and cooked spinach.

Whole grains
Whole grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract among individuals suffering from UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to replace whole grains like buckwheat, brown rice, rolled oats, and wild rice varieties with white rice and instant oatmeal in limited quantities.

Beans
Beans contain oligosaccharides and fermentable fibers that are not easily digested and contribute to bloating and gas. Therefore one must avoid eating these during UC or Crohn’s disease.

Processed meat
Processed and red meats are difficult for the body to break down and can worsen UC and Crohn’s symptoms. Therefore, replacing processed meat with lean meat sources like skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops is advised.

Besides changes to the nutritional regime, therapists usually suggest probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods for recovery from IBD. Acupuncture, certain herbal prescriptions, and fish oil are also believed to relieve symptoms of these health conditions.

A cat’s well-being significantly depends on its digestive health. As compared to other pets, cats have distinctive nutritional requirements. Therefore, as a cat owner, you should ensure that the dietary needs of your pet are not overlooked. If you have recently welcomed this furry friend in your home, then here are some important things you should know while picking cat food.

• Make an age-appropriate food plan – The best determinant of your cat’s diet is its age. If it’s a kitten, then buy cat food that is rich in protein and healthy fats. Such foods will strengthen their bones, muscles, and teeth. Conversely, adult cats should be fed with foods that are low in calories but rich in protein so that they don’t put on extra weight. Obesity in adult cats can often develop problems like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis. Similarly, older cats are more likely to lead a sedentary lifestyle, so choose cat foods that have adequate digestible protein and low-fat content.
• Check the labels – Make sure you scrutinize the listed ingredients while buying cat food. It should have protein, essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty and amino acids. Refrain from purchasing cat food which has meat byproducts, cornmeal, high amount of carbohydrate fillers, and harmful chemical preservatives such as BHT, BHA, propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin.
• Keep it interesting – It is important that you maintain a variety in your cat’s diet as they can easily get bored or addicted to one type of cat food. So, feed them with a mix of both dry and wet cat food. Moreover, changing their meals every now and then will also ensure that they are nourished with a wide range of essential nutrients.

Is it okay to feed cats with home-prepared meals instead of cat food?
Meals prepared at home for cats might often lack the necessary nutrient content. Therefore, if you are planning to do so, it is advised that you first consult the veterinarian. Also, remember that foods like onions, chives, garlic, milk, grapes, raisins, coffee, tea, sodas, raw eggs, chocolate, and yeast dough can make a cat ill and, in some cases, prove to be life-threatening. Hence, always keep such foods away from your cat.

Gone are the days when food was just the reason for our survival! Today food for many has transformed into a culinary experience, and for some it’s another name for life. Beautiful, isn’t it! And Conde Naste’s Bon Appetit magazine has been putting together this ever-evolving journey of food for its readers, through recipes, travel, entertainment, culture, events and people.

Established in 1956, Bon Appetit has come a long way, and today is one of the most widely read food magazines in the country. The food literature of this publication is rich, and at the same time creatively enlightening. It fabulously establishes a flawless line of storytelling, expressing so much about the food and the people at the same time. The visuals of the magazine on the other hand, are such that they can inspire even a clueless soul to go in the kitchen and cook.

If you’re specifically looking for recipes from Bon Appetit website, you’re in for a treat, as they have an amazing selection of all kinds of cuisines. Right from exotic salads to complex main courses, Bon Appetit have attempted to make the website as holistic as possible. Bon Appetit has seven categories in its recipe section on the website, like healthy, quick, chicken, holiday, desserts, vegetarian and family meals. The best part about the recipes published in the magazine is that they are culturally diverse. This will give you an increased room for experimentation.

The magazine stunningly collaborates with areas like travel, style and business to educate the readers about emerging food trends. Through the websites, you can find the best rated restaurants as well as food hubs in different cities like New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington DC, Philadelphia, etc. The Foodist, a column of the magazine has interesting articles about the current happenings of the gastronomic world.

It also has a fascinating section where it has exclusive articles and interviews with chefs and celebrities. The section shares their personal food stories and favorite recipes as well. This can be an inspiring read, as it comes straight up from your beloved culinary stars and artists. The segment of Test Kitchen in the magazine is a bright amalgamation of How to Recipes, Cooking Tips, Test Drive (About the new kitchen appliances) and Common Mistakes. You can also watch videos on the website, where you can find content pertaining to all sorts of themes for the magazine.

A lot of cell phone providers offer affordable plans for seniors. However, affordable doesn’t always indicate quality. But few cell phone providers offer best cell phone plans for seniors, Verizon being one of them. The Verizon nationwide 65 plus plan is an exclusive cell phone plan for seniors. This plan is a two years contract offered by the company.

Verizon is one of the four top cell phone providers in the United States of America. The network consistency and nationwide coverage ensure that the Verizon senior plan is one of the best senior phone plans. Citizens with age of 65 years or older are eligible for this scheme. The low price of call time under the Verizon nationwide 65 plus plan offers an option which allows adding a separate text message plan and data plan if necessary.

Talking plans
The Verizon nationwide 65 plus cell phone plan for seniors provides a single line with access to 200 minutes along with 500 minutes on nights and on weekends. This scheme costs $29.99 a month with an additional tariff of $0.45 for an additional minute.

Messages plans for seniors
The Verizon senior plan provides the same message plans irrespective of whether the plan is for a single line or two lines. By paying an additional $0.2 per text message or $0.25, Multimedia (picture or video) Message can be availed. An alternative is to get 1000 messages for $10 a month, or unlimited messaging for just $20 per month.

Data Plans
Many data plans start from as little as 75 MB at $10 a month or 12 GB data for $100. The 75 MB package is the best cell phone plan for seniors using a basic cell phone service.

Light and moderate internet users can opt for the 2GB package which costs $30 a month and allows connection to social media and web surfing. For heavy internet users, the 5 GB package is available for $50 a month.

Verizon cell phones plans for seniors
Specially designed cell phones address the needs of senior like lifestyle and health monitoring. Some network providers have also launched a simple to use cell phones solely for seniors with he aims to improve the senior citizen’s lives. LG Exalt, Samsung Gusto 3 and LG Cosmos 3 are some of the models of cell phones targeting the elderly.