Sip of Health: How Yakult's Probiotic Drinks are Transforming Lives Worldwide

You've probably heard the phrase “listen to your gut” more times than you can count, and while it might seem like just another piece of common advice, it holds more weight than we realise. In recent years, gut health has emerged as a prominent topic of interest, with considerable attention focused on probiotics. These live bacteria and yeasts, often referred to as ‘friendly’ or ‘good’ bacteria, have been touted for their myriad benefits, ranging from bolstering immunity and mental well-being to potentially aiding in weight management and promoting healthier skin.

The balance of these bacteria within the gut is crucial, as various factors such as stress, antibiotic use, and dietary choices can disrupt this delicate equilibrium, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics, including those found in products like Yakult, are believed to play a pivotal role in restoring this balance by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria. Now, if you haven’t been living under a rock, you're likely familiar with Yakult — a probiotic drink packaged in small bottles, making it instantly recognisable and popular among all age groups. So, how does this probiotic drink contribute to overall health and what’s the secret behind this long-term seller?

A Commitment to Health

The origins of Yakult Honsha can be traced back to 1921, when a young Minoru Shirota embarked on a path that would revolutionise preventive medicine. Born in 1899, Shirota witnessed the devastating impact of poor hygiene and nutritional deficiencies. Cholera and dysentery outbreaks were rampant, and these experiences fueled his determination to eradicate the root causes of such diseases.

Driven by this mission, Shirota entered the medical school of what was then Kyoto Imperial University, now known as Kyoto University. During his studies, he focused on the potential of micro-organisms in developing preventive medicine. By 1930, having earned his doctorate in medicine, Shirota had successfully cultured and fortified a strain of lactic acid bacteria that could survive the journey through the digestive system and bolster intestinal health. This strain, later named Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, was a breakthrough in promoting a healthier stomach, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to fend off illnesses.

With the aim of making this lactic acid bacteria accessible to as many people as possible, Dr Shirota developed an affordable and delicious fermented milk drink. In 1935, he introduced this drink under the Yakult trademark, enabling countless people to benefit from the health-boosting properties of the strain. This marked the beginning of Yakult.

In an era where treatment was the norm, Shirota’s preventive approach was revolutionary. He believed that ‘a healthy intestinal tract leads to a long life’, a principle that led him to introduce the world to Yakult, nearly 90 years ago. This philosophy of prioritising intestinal health as a cornerstone of overall well-being remains integral to Yakult's operations today.

The name “Yakult” itself is a nod to this universal mission. Derived from the Esperanto word “Jahurto,” meaning yogurt, it reflects the desire to contribute to global health. Esperanto, designed as a universal language, aligns perfectly with Yakult’s vision of promoting health worldwide. Over time, “Yakult” has become a coined term that resonates across languages, symbolising the company’s enduring commitment to well-being.

‘Shirota-ism’ at the Heart

At the heart of Yakult's business philosophy lies ‘Shirota-ism’, a set of principles established by the company's founder, Dr Shirota. These core tenets shape Yakult's diverse ventures in foods and beverages, international business, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Shirota-ism is grounded in three key principles: Preventive medicine, A healthy intestinal tract leads to a long life, and a price anyone can afford.

Evolution of Health Consciousness

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the universal value of good health. Today, health consciousness has evolved beyond merely being disease-free; it encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. The interplay between the brain and the intestines, known as the ‘gut-brain axis’, has garnered significant attention. This connection reveals that the intestinal environment can influence brain function, alleviate stress, and impact mental health. As research on probiotics—live microorganisms that confer health benefits—enters a new phase, the focus is on achieving comprehensive health through the intestines.

So, What's the Science behind this Fermented Milk Drink?

Each bottle of Yakult contains live beneficial bacteria that reach the intestines alive to improve digestion and boost immunity. The bacteria in Yakult increase the levels of NK (Natural Killer) cells, which are vital for our immune system, and stimulate immune cells responsible for combating infectious diseases and cancer cells. Probiotics are essential for regulating intestinal function and digestion. Yakult stands out as a unique probiotic product because the type of good bacteria in Yakult, ‘Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota’, doesn't die in the acidity of the stomach and is scientifically proven to be strong enough to reach the intestines alive, helping balance the good and bad bacteria in our intestines.

Rise of Probiotic Consumption

In a trend toward healthier eating, many young individuals in the UAE are becoming deeply conscious of their health and well-being. People are increasingly incorporating probiotics into their daily diets. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of probiotics for digestive health and overall wellness, reflecting a significant change in lifestyle.

But what’s Fueling this Sudden Surge in Probiotic Consumption?

In recent years, the UAE has witnessed a significant shift in dietary habits, spurred by an increasing awareness of health and well-being. This change is particularly evident in the burgeoning probiotics market, which is expected to grow by $77.64 million from 2023 to 2028, according to the research report ‘UAE Probiotics Market Overview, 2028’ by Bonafide Research.

The surge in popularity of probiotics can be attributed to several factors, including changing eating patterns and a rise in chronic diseases. As more people seek to improve their health through diet, the inclusion of probiotics has become a common practice.

One of the key drivers of this market expansion is also the increasing concern for wellness among the younger population. Young people are more informed about the benefits of a balanced diet and are actively seeking products that support their health goals. This demographic shift is encouraging the development and consumption of innovative and specialised probiotic strains designed to meet specific health needs.

Moreover, the UAE's unique multicultural society plays a pivotal role in the diversity of its probiotic market. With a significant expatriate population from various countries, the demand for a wide range of food products, including probiotics, is on the rise. People from different cultural backgrounds bring their dietary preferences and practices to the UAE, creating a dynamic and varied market landscape.

— kushmita@khaleejtimes.com

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