Health Benefits of Yogurts

Are you a yogurt lover? If yes, then you are exactly where you need to be! Did you know that yogurt is more nutritious than milk? Crazy, right? It stands true because it contains almost every nutrient essential for the human body. Yogurt is rich in probiotics which means it is your immune system’s best friend. Moreover, it tops the chart of foods required for a healthy heart.

Yogurt is merely fresh milk or cream before it goes through a special process to achieve its state. It is first pasteurized and fermented with different bacteria cultures. Next, it is incubated at a certain temperature to allow bacteria growth. The culture ferments lactose, which is the natural sugar found in milk. This, in turn, produces lactic acid which gives yogurt its exclusive flavor. Find out all the more benefits of your favorite snack by giving this article a read. So, are you ready? Let’s begin!

Rich in Nutrients

Eating yogurt on a regular basis has tremendous benefits you might not be aware of. The overall health nutrition that yogurt provides, deserves to be in your diet plan. Yogurt is a rich source of calcium which is especially vital for your teeth and bones. It also contains a range of vitamins such as B2, B12, and vitamin D.

Additionally, yogurt also contains lesser known but equally important nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a great source of protein too! The perfect go-to snack after hitting the gym. Protein is known for developing muscle mass and subsequently increasing metabolism. Plus, it helps burn calories faster and maintains your body weight. Altogether, these nutrients help develop the key features of your body including muscles, organs, and skin to help it function efficiently.

Other Uses

Who says yogurt is strictly for eating only? It has so many advantages other than that! It can work its magic not only within your body but externally too. Let it do wonders by applying it to your skin and hair. Yogurt has great natural cleansing properties due to the presence of lactic acids.

If you want your wrinkles and aging signs to leave you alone before they even appear, yogurt is the way to go. Moreover, people suffering from acne can also use this natural remedy and find comfort after regular use. As for your hair, the proteins present in yogurt help promote strong and healthy hair. Yogurt application cleanses your scalp and assists in clearing away dead cells. Avail of all these endless benefits now!

1) Better Digestion

In the present day, it is hard to maintain a balanced yet healthy diet with so many options available to choose from. The market goods are loaded with highly processed ingredients, additives, and chemicals. This may result in the constant occurrence of constipation issues. The main reason why this happens is the lack of fiber and probiotics in our diet plans. To your surprise, yogurt is rich in both of them.

Thus, it proves that bacteria help balance bacteria in our stomach which helps to digest food better. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are two important bacteria present in fermented yogurt. Studies show that they help boost digestive health by reducing the chances of bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Say goodbye to your frequent bathroom visits, and hello to healthy eating!

2) Boosts the Immune System

Consuming yogurt regularly can prove to be the easiest way to boost your immune system naturally. Yogurt has the ability to protect your body against harmful bacteria and viruses. Thus, it can greatly reduce the risk of developing different ailments. The high levels of probiotics present in yogurt can also help control inflammation.

Moreover, vitamin D helps boost immune health even further. The vitamin has been widely studied for its potential to prevent illnesses such as the common flu and cold. Especially after the pandemic where immunity has become everybody’s top priority, eating yogurt can help you stay proactive and healthy at the same time.

3) Doorway to a Healthy Heart

The most significant benefit yogurt provides is that it is healthy for your heart. Regularly intake yogurt can boost your heart’s ability to perform its various functions. However, yogurt does contain saturated fats but consuming low-fat yogurt does the job just right.

It is also said to have HDL – good cholesterol which helps protect your heart health. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that yogurt intake reduces the risk of heart disease. Keep your heart healthy and make sure to have at least a bowl of yogurt thrice a week.

4) Regulates Blood Pressure

Most people are concerned about their blood pressure levels fluctuating quite frequently. Yogurt, in this regard, is no less than a blessing. A healthy combination of nutrients, minerals, and proteins can greatly help regulate blood pressure. By including yogurt in your breakfast or as a quick lunchtime snack you will ensure optimal blood health.

A study conducted by more than 5,000 university graduates in Spain for about two years, found a link between dairy intake and risk of high blood pressure. “We observed a 50% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure among people eating 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy a day (or more), compared with those without any intake,” said Alvaro Alonso, an epidemiologist, and professor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Thus, this concludes consumption of low-fat milk and yogurt are linked to lower blood pressure.

5) Helps Prevent Osteoporosis

Do you know what Osteoporosis is? Osteoporosis is a kind of disease that weakens bones to the point where they can easily break. It is also called the “silent disease” as you may not even know you have the disease until a bone finally breaks in your body. However, it starts developing years before the breaking point when your bones begin losing strength.

Due to the high amount of calcium and vitamin D present in yogurt, it can greatly help prevent and reduce the risk of diseases related to bones and joints. Thus, its consumption is integral in protecting and nurturing your skeleton. Over time, with a constant intake of yogurt, your body may develop the tendency to significantly reduce the chances of Osteoporosis to occur.

6) Yogurt with Active Cultures Help the Gut

Yogurt containing active cultures may help with different gastrointestinal conditions. These conditions include H. pylori infection, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and constipation. Consuming yogurt can help relieve the symptoms of the previously mentioned conditions. Mainly due to the presence of probiotics, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus in particular. Moreover, recent studies suggest that certain probiotic strains offer various benefits which help boost the activity of the immune system.

7) It Helps You Feel Fuller

A study conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle tested hunger, fullness, and calories eaten at the next meal on a group of men and women who had a 200-calorie snack. The snack was either yogurt containing pieces of peach, similar yogurt in drinkable form, peach-flavored dairy beverage, or peach juice. The results stated that both types of yogurt resulted in lower hunger ratings and higher fullness ratings as compared to the other snacks.

This experiment stands a successful claim that yogurt is not only a healthy but also a fulfilling snack. This protein-rich good can help you feel fuller for longer. Thus, it could naturally lead you to eat fewer calories throughout the day. It is super satiating, which means it is the best choice for a filling breakfast to keep you on your feet all day long.

8) Lactose Intolerance

Yogurt is known for its low lactose content. A great alternative for people with lactose intolerance to milk. Plus, it contains bacteria, unlike other dairy products that help aid digestion. You may experience the feeling of discomfort, constipation, or bloating after consuming milk or having ice cream.

However, having yogurt in small amounts can let them tolerate it without any symptoms. Moreover, lactose intolerant people tend to lack the essential requirement of calcium in their bodies. Yogurt can be an important component in their diet to help fulfill this requirement. It is also recommended to use yogurt in different recipes and pair it with food to enjoy its benefits better.

Choose the Best Yogurt for Your Health

Greek yogurt is a great choice when going for a healthy snack. Try to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt which contains minimal ingredients without any added preservatives and sugars. Moreover, go with the low-fat options as they contain less calories as compared to full-fat yogurt. Make sure to look for yogurts with live and active cultures to ensure consuming all the necessary probiotics essential for your body.

Final Word

Refresh your love for yogurt by being creative! Create fun recipes and mix your favorite fruits in your yogurt bowl for an even more nutritious snack on the go. Moreover, combining yogurt with different nuts and flaxseed can give you increased health benefits.

Make sure to intake a balanced diet with this nutrient-filled component. Remember, access to anything can be harmful. Start with small amounts of yogurt if you are not already a fan. Observe the changes in your body and increase the amount accordingly as per need. Enjoy all your foods even more so by adding a dash of yogurt and live a healthy lifestyle!