Yogurt's not just a food anymore. It has emerged as a dietary supplement that promises benefits far beyond a slim waist. The old staple, along with other foods such as aged cheese and the dairy drink called kefir, contains newly touted probiotic bacteria. From improving digestion to preventing allergies, the reported properties of probiotics sound almost too good to be true?but a growing body of research suggests that some healthful bacteria, at least, might live up to the promise.
No, that supplement manufacturer didn't misspell "probiotics." "Prebiotics" are a separate category of food additive that are supposed to help probiotic bacteria grow and thrive in the human digestive tract. Probiotics, in turn, help people stay healthy, recent research shows.
AP - Hezbollah's leader said Saturday that the militant Islamic group's war last summer with Israel has left the U.S. vision of a "new Middle East" in shambles and claimed the guerrilla group was ready to strike Israel again at any time.
AP - Authorities planned stepped-up patrols in Baghdad Sunday as they intensified security to prevent a repeat of car bombings that killed dozens of revelers celebrating Iraq's progress to the finals of Asia's top soccer tournament last week.
AP - On the eve of his first visit to Washington as British prime minister, Gordon Brown said relations between the two allies would always be strong. But his government has signaled that it may not have as cozy a relationship with the U.S. as that of predecessor Tony Blair.
Four people were killed when helicopters from two TV news stations in Phoenix, Arizona, collided while shooting a police chase, according to fire and station officials.
The United States is developing a proposed $20 billion, 10-year arms sales package for Saudi Arabia, a senior administration official confirmed today. The proposed sale is intended to upgrade the Saudi military's ability to counter possible Iranian aggression, the official said.