Why yogurts good for you

Low-fat, or reduced-fat yogurt, is made with 2-percent milk. Non-fat yogurt is made with zero percent or skim milk. Kefir is a liquid yogurt for drinking. It contains probiotics and is easy to make at home by adding kefir grains to milk and leaving it to stand for 12 to 24 hours.

Greek yogurt is thick and creamy. It can withstand heat better than regular yogurt and is often used in Mediterranean-style cooking and dips. The result is a higher protein content, due to its thicker concentration, but the extra straining leads to a lower calcium content.

Compared to regular yogurt, skyr requires 4 times the amount of milk to make and contains 2 to 3 times more protein. However, many frozen yogurts contain the same amount of sugar or more as regular ice cream. Also, according to the National Yogurt Association, not all so-called frozen yogurts contain live and active cultures. Some use heat-treated yogurts, which kills the live and active cultures. Probiotics are a type of healthy bacteria that benefit the gut.

They help regulate the digestive system and decrease gas, diarrhea , constipation , and bloating. Some research has suggested that probiotics can boost the immune system, help with weight management, and reduce the risk of cancer.

The two most common bacteria used to ferment milk into yogurt are Lactobacillus bulgaricus L. A recent study from the University of Toronto points out that different probiotics will have different effects, and some yogurts containing probiotics may be healthier than others. Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

It is also important for blood clotting, wound healing, and maintaining normal blood pressure. Calcium-rich foods are best when paired with a source of vitamin D , as vitamin D helps the small intestine to absorb calcium. Most yogurts also contain varying amounts of vitamins B6 and B12, riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium.

Yogurt has a low lactose content, so a person with a lactose intolerance will likely find it more tolerable than milk. It also contains bacteria that aid digestion.

As a result, people who experience discomfort, bloating or gas after consuming liquid milk or ice cream can often tolerate yogurt without symptoms. The individual should try a small amount of yogurt, say, a quarter of a cup, to see how their body reacts. This only applies to lactose intolerance, not to those with a milk allergy. People with a lactose intolerance often lack calcium, so yogurt can be an important component of their diet. While yogurt has a lot going for it, not all yogurt is a healthy choice.

Some flavored yogurts — even those made with real fruit — can be more like junk food in disguise. That strawberry swirl fruit-on-the-bottom or chocolate chip crunch topping can pack a sugary punch. Some flavored yogurts contain more sugar in one serving than the daily recommended amount. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men.

What about sugar-free flavors? Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners may not be any healthier than real sugar. And eating super-sweet artificial sweeteners can set up your taste buds to crave more sweet stuff throughout the day. Your best bet is to avoid flavored yogurt and reach for the plain variety. What should you know before you hit that overwhelming dairy aisle? Yoghurt, favourite among kids as well as adults, is considered a superfood because it has innumerable health benefits.

Yoghurt is rich in nutrients. It is an amazing source of proteins and calcium. It also contains B complex vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. It improves metabolism and provides a feeling of satiety. Made from bacterial fermentation of milk, it is this very process that provides it with beneficial properties.

Probiotics like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are used to make yoghurt. They ferment milk and convert the lactose in milk to lactic acid. Lactic acid thus produced, coagulates the proteins present in milk, thereby giving it a thick texture and sour taste. Yoghurt thus obtained, can be enjoyed as it is or sweetened or flavoured with fruits as per choice. You can add yoghurt to a variety of dishes or make smoothies out of it.

It kills the harmful bacteria in the gut and makes our digestive system healthier. Yoghurt is also found to be effective in lactose intolerance, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Regular consumption of yoghurt enhances our immune system and protects our body from a variety of infections.