Final answer:
Unpasteurized yogurt tends to have more live, active cultures than pasteurized yogurt, contributing to its probiotic benefits. However, unpasteurized dairy products can also be a source of harmful pathogens; therefore, pasteurized products are often recommended for safety. Probiotic benefits are linked to bacteria that can aid digestion and improve the immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing pasteurized and unpasteurized yogurt, it is important to note that pasteurization is a process that heats milk to eliminate pathogens, which can also affect microbial populations beneficial for health, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Unpasteurized yogurt often contains a higher number of live, active cultures, which can contribute to its probiotic benefits. However, it is vital to consider that unpasteurized dairy products, including yogurt, may harbor harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks. The health benefits of yogurt as a probiotic are associated with its content of live, active cultures that can promote good digestive health and a well-balanced immune response.
Yet, due to the potential presence of pathogenic bacteria in unpasteurized products, many experts recommend consuming pasteurized products to ensure safety. Microorganisms such as lactic acid-producing bacteria also provide the additional benefit of lowering the pH of the food to help kill pathogenic bacteria, therefore contributing to safer consumption. In the context of lactose digestion, these bacteria also produce the enzyme lactase, which can be beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant and thus relying on the bacterial breakdown of lactose.