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Author: Yakult

Congratulations February Trivia Winners!

Thank you for everyone who has participated in the February Yakult Trivia – How Much Do You Know About Yakult?

These are the 10 winners below:

  1. Minami V.
  2. Estela A.
  3. Emily B.
  4. Taylor B.
  5. Paul E.
  6. Niusami S.
  7. Terja L.
  8. Felice J.
  9. Simon M.
  10. Peter N.

Please come back to our website again for the March entry!

For more information about the monthly Yakult Trivia, please refer to the blog post hereHOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YAKULT

Nutrition Information Panels – What is in it?

Have you been to a supermarket and sometimes feel overwhelmed with choices? How do you compare between products? What do you look out for when you are looking at the food label?

What is a nutrition information panel? 

The nutrition information panel (NIP) is found on most food and drinks labels and provides information about the nutrition content of a food or drink, allowing you to make an informed choice. The NIP provides information on the average quantity of and nutrients: protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars and sodium (salt). This information is provided per serving size and per 100g (grams) or per 100mL (millilitres).

A NIP will also include other nutrients for which the manufacturer has made a nutrient content claim. As an example, Yakult has included the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain in our NIP as only our fermented milk drinks contain the unique probiotic Shirota strain.

Ingredients list 

All ingredients in packaged foods are listed in descending order by weight. Checking the ingredients list will tell you what has been added to the product, which is particularly important if you need to avoid certain ingredients due to allergies or a health condition. You can use this information to help decide if the product is the right choice for you.

Serving size 

The serving size is determined by the manufacturer, which can help you to calculate the nutrition information for the serve you eat.

A “serving size” is a standard amount of a food, such as a cup. Serving sizes can help you when choosing foods and when comparing like items while shopping, but they are not recommendations for how much a certain food to eat. You will need to take into consideration if your serving size is the same as the recommended serving size, or if it is smaller or larger then what you need. A dietitian can help you with this.

Quantity per 100g or 100mL if liquid

This information is useful to compare similar products. The figures in the ‘quantity per 100g’ column are the same as percentages. For example, 20g of fat in this column means the product contains 20% fat.

Energy 

Energy is measured in kilojoules (kJ) or calories (cal). Protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and alcohol all provide energy (kilojoules). The amount of energy each of us needs depends on many factors and differ between individuals.

Fat 

‘Total fat’ includes all polyunsaturated, monosaturated, saturated and trans fat in the food. Check the ‘saturated fat’ amount on similar products and choose the one with the least amount of saturated fat per 100g.

‘Trans fats’ are not required by law to be listed on the NIP but some manufacturers will list trans fats. Look for products with less than 1g of trans fats per 100g, particularly when buying margarines or baked goods.

Carbohydrate

‘Total carbohydrate’ includes both the sugars and starches in food. The ‘sugar’ amount refers to how much of the total carbohydrate is made up of sugars, which includes both added sugars and natural sugars such as lactose in milk and fructose in fruit.

Remember, the total carbohydrate affects blood glucose levels, not just the sugar. A dietitian can help you work out how much carbohydrate you need each day.

Sodium

This figure tells you how much sodium (salt) is in the food. Where possible, choose products with ‘reduced’ or ‘no added’ salt. A low-salt food has less than 120mg of sodium per 100g. When comparing similar products, choose the one with the lowest sodium per 100g.

Dietary fibre

The NIP does not need to include fibre amounts unless a nutrition claim in made on the label about fibre, sugar or carbohydrate, for example, ‘high in fibre’.

 

Reference: 

How Much Do You Know About Yakult?

Introducing our monthly Yakult Trivia for 2022!

Every month from February to November, we will be releasing 5 questions on Yakult and health, plus a bonus creative “In 25 words or less tell us” question.

All Yakult and health answers can be found from our website and resources published on www.yakult.com.au.

10 winners will be selected based on answering all trivia questions and the 10 most creative answers to the 25 words or less challenge. New and unique Yakult prizes to be won each month.

At the end of the year, a limited number of grand prizes for those who complete the most monthly trivia sessions correctly in 2022 will be awarded. So, don’t forget to come back to visit our webpage to complete the trivia quizzes each month!

Join our monthly trivia here:

https://form.jotform.com/220306178727860

 

How to enter: 

Submit trivia form (one entry per person).

10 monthly trivia sessions running each month from the 1st February 2022 to the 30th November 2022.

Each month’s trivia will only run to the last day of the month.

Grand prize winners for the year will be announced in December 2022.

The winners will be notified via email and their names will be published monthly via our social media or blog post.

Open to Australia and New Zealand residents only.

Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

All prizes are as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferrable. Prizes are subject to availability, and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value. Prize value does not exceed $100 AUD.

Yakult Australia’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the trivia competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at https://www.yakult.com.au/privacy-policy/.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, or any other Social Media Network channels.

Tips For Better Sleep

Sleep hygiene refers to good sleep habits that best ensure high-quality sleep and help us restore our energy. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep per day, not just at night, but also including naps during the day.

 

There are many factors that affect sleep hygiene, sometimes this include long-term bad habits that we are not aware of. Changing sleep habits isn’t necessarily difficult. Different methods work for different people. Find what works best for you and stick to it, you will find your sleep improve over time. However, if you still experience trouble falling or staying asleep despite adhering to good sleep hygiene, consult your doctor to find out if other possible factors may be affecting your sleep quality.

 

Tips for Maintaining Sleep Hygiene

 

The State of Bedroom

Keep bedroom dark and quiet at night.

Avoid watching TV or using mobile phone when on bed.

Use the bed only for sleeping.

Try to avoid sharing bed with children or pets.

 

Preparing for Bed

Choose comfortable and appropriate quilt warmth, pillow and mattress.

Taking a warm bath before bed can help generate drowsiness encouraging sleep.

Keep hands and feet warm by wearing thermal underwear as needed in winter.

 

Cultivating Drowsiness

Never force yourself to sleep.

If you can’t fall asleep in a short time, you should get up and find something calming to do. Remember to avoid light and go back to bed when you feel sleepy.

Avoid checking your watch or clock frequently to prevent anxiety and stress, making it even more difficult to fall asleep.

 

Sleep Routine

Keeping a regular sleep schedule will encourage you to feel sleepy and wake up at a fixed time. Best to avoid going to bed or waking up earlier or later than your regular sleeping time.

It is not recommended to make up for a late night’s sleep by waking up late the next day.

Try to avoid working morning and evening shifts at the same time, as inconsistent bedtimes can disrupt one’s body clock.

 

Lifestyle

Maintain moderate and regular exercise to improve sleep. Try to avoid exercise before bed as that activates the brain.

Melatonin is critical for sleep. Exposure to the sun during the day can increase the production of melatonin, allowing it to work more effectively at night.

Consuming no more than 400mg of caffeine per day, which equals to 2 espresso coffees.

Nicotine is a stimulant that obstructs sleep. Quitting smoking will allow you to fall asleep faster and deeper.

 

Medication

Some medication have side effect making people drowsy or alert. Always read the instructions and follow your doctor’s advice when taking medication.

Short-term use of sleeping pills may be necessary in some situations, however, it is best not to rely on them. Long-term use of sleeping pills may cause the inability to fall asleep naturally.

 

Yakult and Sleep

A study published in 2016 found that consuming Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) could relieve stress-induced symptoms such as anxiety1. Another study published in 2017 showed that daily consumption of fermented milk rich in Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) may help to maintain sleep quality under psychological stress when consumed in 100ml bottles2.

In Australia, each bottle of Yakult contains 6.5 billion of Yakult’s exclusive Shirota strains. Learn more about Yakult: https://www.yakult.com.au

 

Reference

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26896291/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28443383/
  3. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-hygiene
  4. https://www.healthnews.com.tw/news/article/51970

 

Yakult and Essendon Extend Partnership

Yakult’s long-standing commitment to the Essendon Football Club will continue into its 20th year with a three-year extension announced today.

Proudly, Yakult is the Bombers’ longest-serving commercial partner. The extension will see the Yakult continue as the training ball and interchange bench sponsor, the official partner of the prestigious Crichton Medal, and the annual Challenge match during the home-and-away season.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell acknowledged Yakult’s longevity and loyalty to the club and was excited to continue the partnership into a second decade.

“As our longest-serving commercial partner, we are so thrilled to continue our relationship with Mr Kenji Ono, Mr David Whatley and the Yakult family,” Campbell said.

“To work in partnership together for over 17 years is something both organisations should be incredibly proud of. In recent years, we’ve seen Yakult align with our charity partner Challenge to present our annual Tackling Childhood Cancer Game, which highlights the partnership going from strength to strength and for the betterment of others beyond our organisation.”

“We thank Yakult for their wonderful and ongoing support of the Bombers and look forward to working together as we head towards the 20-year milestone.”

Yakult Managing Director, Mr. Kenji Ono said “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with the Essendon Football Club. We share Essendon’s commitment to loyalty and the community, so the decision to continue the partnership was a simple one. We look forward to the next three years and we feel it is especially auspicious given that it coincides with Essendon celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.”

Established in 1872, the Essendon Football Club’s proud journey has included 16 VFL/AFL premierships to make it one of the most successful and revered clubs in Australian Football and Australian sporting history. Learn more about our partner Essendon here.

2021 Recap

With the start of the festive season upon us, there is no better time to reflect on the year we have had. It is fair to say that this year has been an eventful one. Here at Yakult Australia, this is a recap our favourite memories in 2021:

Ian Thorpe Yakult Commercial Filming

School Holiday program

Donating to our real-life superheroes

Yakult Man at the Melbourne Rebels Game

Attending the Pregnancy, Baby and Children’s (PBC) expo

Our dietitian providing Nutrition Talks at aged care facilities

It is important during this time to keep up our healthy habits. Yakult is a great way to keep our gut nice and happy during this special season. Share the love and your Yakult with your family and friends this Christmas.

From our family here at Yakult, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope that this time of the year is filled with laughter, joy, and delicious Christmas goodies. May the new year bring all of you good things. We cannot wait for what the year 2022 has instore.

Lactose Intolerance

Not sure if you have ever had such experience: whenever you drink milk, your stomach gurgles and even aches. In severe cases diarrhea is unbearable. If you have experienced all these symptoms, you are likely to be one of those with lactose intolerance.

Milk has been in Australian families for decades. Now it has become a must-have at home especially for children’s standard meals. However, there are always people whose ability to accept milk is less than others. The ability to accept milk here does not refer to a personal dislike of milk, but a non-acceptance by the body. If every time you drink milk, you feel overwhelmed and run to the toilet. This is a typical lactose intolerance. Let us find out about it.

What is lactose intolerance?

Some people’s digestive system lacks lactase and is intolerant to the lactose in milk. They are not able to digest and absorb milk like others do. When they drink milk, symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea occur.

Why are some people intolerant to lactose? This is because lactose cannot be directly absorbed by the body, it needs to be broken down by lactase before it can be absorbed. If the level of lactase in the body is insufficient, it will not be able to break down lactose, which results in indigestion of milk.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

If your family members show symptoms of lactose intolerance, please take them to see a GP. The doctor will first help rule out factors that cause similar symptoms, such as gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. After these factors are eliminated the doctor will direct a series of formal tests to diagnose lactose intolerance, including hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test and stool acid test. The doctor may also refer them to a dietitian to observe whether the symptoms are relieved by suspending the intake of certain lactose-containing foods. It is important not to self-diagnose lactose intolerance and make changes to diet without consulting a doctor or a dietitian.

How to deal with lactose intolerance?

People with lactose intolerance do not need to avoid milk completely. As an important source of nutrition, dairy products are especially rich in calcium. It is not worthwhile to reject all dairy products due to lactose intolerance. To deal with different degrees of lactose intolerance, we can take the following measures:

  1. Replace regular milk with lactose free milk. By artificially supplementing lactase in milk, it helps our intestines and stomach to break down lactose, alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance and improve the digestion and absorption of milk. Lactose free milk can be found in major supermarkets across Australia.
  2. Choose whole milk over low-fat milk. Because the fat in whole milk slows down the speed of milk passing through the intestine, which allows lactase more time to break down the lactose in milk.
  3. While drinking milk, eat some other food which works as a buffer. Otherwise, drinking milk in small amount multiple times a day instead of drinking large amount at once.
  4. Enjoy some hard cheeses which do not contain/contain little lactose. For example: cheddar, Edam, Swiss, mozzarella, brie, and fetta.
  5. Be mindful of foods that may contain hidden lactose, such as cakes, biscuits, milk chocolate, cheese sauce, cream soup, instant cereals, etc. Develop the habit of reading ingredients label when shopping to avoid food and drink that contain large amount of lactose.

Yakult and lactose intolerance

Do you know? As a fermented milk drink, each bottle of Yakult contains less than 2g of lactose! People with lactose intolerance can safely drink and digest Yakult. In addition, the unique probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) exclusively found in Yakult helps to increase the total amount of beneficial bacteria in our intestines, improve the breakdown and digestion of lactose. To find out more about Yakult: https://www.yakult.com.au

 

Prefer reading this blog post in Mandarin?

Please click here.

Yakult’s Mid-Week Nutrition Check In

In October we launched our new ‘Mid-week Nutrition Check In’ series. This series will explore all things gut health and nutrition.

Want to learn more about nutrition and your gut on the go?
These short informative clips are just the thing!

This month we focused on frequently asked questions related to children’s toileting.
Looking at common digestive discomfort such as constipation and diarrhoea, to what is considered a healthy bowel habit for children.

In the coming months we will cover topics on pregnancy, tips on how to create a healthy lunch box and digestive health.

We will have heaps of interesting and easy to digest tips coming your way, follow us on Instagram or Facebook to be in the “know”! All specially curated by our resident Accredited Practising Dietitian, Chloe Swiney.

 

Yakult Australia March Social Media Giveaway

Social Media Giveaway Time!!!

In March check out our Facebook and Instagram page to enter, comment and tag a friend to go into the lucky draw to our limited release giveaway.

The limited-edition giveaway pack up for grabs includes a Yakult Man Phone Slider, a Yakult x Hello Kitty limited edition phone charm and a Yakult screen cleaner with light for you and your tagged friend.

How to enter:  Like or react to the post & comment your answer (One entry per person).

Competition runs from 11th of March 2022 12:00/PM (AEST) / 03:00 PM (NZDT) and ends on 16th March 2022 09:59 PM (AEDT) / 11:59PM (NZDT).

The winners will be notified via Direct Message and their names will be published in an edited version of this Facebook post on 16 March 2022 12:30 PM (AEDT) / 02:30 PM (NZDT).

*Open to Australian and New Zealand residents only, minimum age of 18.

*One entry per person allowed.

*This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

All prizes are as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value.

Yakult Australia’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at https://www.yakult.com.au/privacy-policy/

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram, or any other Social Media Network channels.

The winner of the giveaway is:

Winsome Jackson