Is Yogurt as Nutritional as it Claims to Be?
With all the different types of yogurt and many claiming to hold nutritional benefits, how does the average person know which kind and which brand to purchase? Is yogurt really as beneficial as marketers and advertisers claim it to be? The answer to the second question is yes and no. Depending on what kind of yogurt you buy, it is definitely a health food. The first question will be answered in the bulk of this post.
What is Yogurt?
Yogurt is milk or cream that has been cultured with active live cultures. These active cultures are what provide the greatest health benefit. The active cultures are good bacteria that your body needs to function at its best by keeping the body in balance by preventing an overgrowth of the bad bacteria that cause infections and disease. Healthy levels of good bacteria also keep the body’s yeast levels balanced so the probability of developing various types of yeast infection is lessened. Good bacteria in healthy balanced levels also aid in digestion and boost the immune system. The active live cultures reduce lactose levels as well, so yogurt is a safe alternative to milk, cheese and other dairy products for lactose intolerant people.
Properties of Yogurt
Because yogurt is made from milk, it is a good source of calcium. Calcium is good for bone and teeth health, and aids in the prevention of bone density loss and osteoporosis.
Protein, an important building block for many of the systems in your body (including your muscles) is also in yogurt. Protein helps to curb your appetite, and keeps you feeling better for a longer period of time.
What Kind of Yogurt is best?
As with all types of food, organic yogurt is the most beneficial and nutritional. The thing to look for if you’re looking for healthy yogurt is active ingredients. The more active live cultures there are in the yogurt, the more benefits you will receive.
Natural products are always best, so look for yogurt low in sugar, and without added high fructose corn syrup and trans fat. Many brands of yogurt come in low-fat or no-fat versions for those of us on a low-fat diet.
Yogurt is made from pasteurized milk. Know that any pasteurizing done after the culturing process can kill the active live cultures. Make sure that the yogurt you buy isn’t pasteurized after culturing so you may reap the health benefits.
Above all, read the labels. The longer the list of ingredients, the more calories the yogurt may contain as well as detrimental ingredients instead of beneficial nutrients.
Uses of Yogurt
Yogurt is an extremely versatile food. It can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways. My favorite is alone as a snack, or as a part of a balanced healthy lunch. But yogurt can also be used to make low calorie dips, substituted for milk in many recipes such as pancakes, waffles or pumpkin pie. By adding chocolate chips, nuts or granola, it can be a healthy alternative for dessert. Eat healthy and stay active.
-Anne
Do you have any other good things to say about yogurt? Comment and tell us about it!
