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Surprise: The Fat-Burning Superfood That's Cheap and Everywhere

Over the years, I've noticed that clients who added a certain item to their diet seemed more likely to lose weight. And this happened even when their calorie intake remained the same. What is this superfood? It's nothing weird, it's not a supplement, it's cheap and everywhere — and it's a product that may go back to Neolithic times. What is this superfood? yogurt.

For years, I've wondered why this versatile food worked so well, and now, new scientific research is backing my observations. It turns out that the bacterial organisms in the digestive tract — about 100 million of them (10 times the number of human cells), collectively called the microbiome — are akin to a fully functioning organ, and can have a positive or negative effect on human health, according to nutrition scientists at a National Institutes of Health conference entitled: "The Human Microbiome: Implications for Nutrition and Clinical Practice."

But, to achieve maximum benefit, you must eat probiotics together with prebiotics

Yogurt contains a class of bacteria called probiotics that "remain alive during processing and shelf life, survive digestion and then cause health benefits," said Jo Ann Hattner, a registered dietitian, consultant at the Stanford University School of Medicine and co-author of "Gut Insight." She added that together with certain foods known as prebiotics, probiotics create a symbiotic relationship that profoundly benefit your microbiome and your health. Read More..

RECIPES IN PHOTO: "Cool Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Cilantro," "Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Vinaigrette," and "Melon Chunks with Crumbled Feta and Fresh Mint," from "Diet Simple Farm to Table Recipes: 50 New Reasons to Cook in Season!" (photo by Viggy Parr)