Nothing is impossible for this dairy wonder! From giving you beautifully radiant skin to helping you in losing weight, yogurt is amazingly beneficial. Whether you opt for soy, organic or Greek yogurt, it is equally advantageous in all forms and gives you instant results.
Here are the 10 health benefits of yogurt and reasons to add it to your daily diet.
1. Boosts Immunity
Live and active culture yogurt is regarded as an excellent immunity booster, which promotes infection-combating white cells in the bloodstream. Yogurt helps to fight off the infections well.
2. Aids in Digestion
The good bacteria present in the yogurt are helpful in regulating the bowel movement. It also induces various other digestive enzymes to function properly. Yogurt is an effective treatment against diseases, like pylori infection, diarrhoea and constipation.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure
The potassium present in the yogurt is believed to reduce blood pressure and its effects.
4. Good for Colon Health
The lactobacillus bacteria in the yogurt are amazing for colon health as they stop the bile from converting into carcinogenic acid, which otherwise is responsible for the onset of cancer in the body.
5. Protects Gums
Whether plain or flavoured, you can consume any sort of yogurt without the fear of tooth decomposition as the lactic acid present in it protects the gums and teeth.
6. Helps in Weight Loss
Yogurt induces fat cells to form less cortisol in the body. Cortisols are responsible for the accumulation of fat around the belly. It also keeps you full for a long time.
7. Makes Bone Strong
The calcium contents of yogurt are superb in making the bones and teeth strong and sturdy. It is so rich in calcium that it can fulfil the daily requirements of calcium in just one serving.
8. Prevents Osteoporosis
Along with calcium, Vitamin D is also an excellent nutrient in yogurt that is beneficial for those, who are suffering from osteoporosis. Vitamin D readily works towards absorbing the calcium.
9. Decreases Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are cured by a specific kind of yogurt, known as ‘live and active culture yogurt’. It is also extremely effective in treating vaginal yeast infections.
10. Safe for Lactose Intolerants
The live and active culture yogurt aids lactose to breakdown, which makes it safe and healthy even for people, who are lactose intolerant.
After reading the 10 health benefits of yogurt, you’re probably desperate to incorporate this delicious protein into your daily diet. But before you purchase the first brand you find at the supermarket, consider these tips for choosing the healthiest option.
Opt for unsweetened yogurts as these products won’t contain high-fructose corn syrup (which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and more fatal illnesses), sugar and fruit juice concentrates. Let’s not discredit the brands that use honey and maple syrup for added sweetness, but many companies sweeten their products so much that you won’t experience the full 10 health benefits.
Most people who want to lose weight, jump at the first sight of low-fat yogurts since they contain few calories. However, to make up for the low-fat percentage, manufacturers use flavoring agents, starch, gelatin, and other chemicals to contribute to the taste and thickness. Many non-fat or light versions of yogurt become a processed food that has few nutritional benefits.
Yogurt is delicious enough to eat on its own, though there are some exciting ways to enhance other snacks and add more protein to your daily diet.
Yogurt and fruit make a great nutritious snack. Combine your favorite fruits with plain yogurt for a mid-morning craving or for breakfast. As yogurt has a thick texture, it won’t make strawberries, bananas and other exotic fruits go soggy. You can also layer with other foods such as wheat, seeds and more.
If you’re a fan of shakes and smoothies, add a tablespoon of yogurt for a creamy texture. This works well with many different fruits and is a great alternative to milk. We also suggest using plain yogurt as a dip mixed with parsley, diced cucumber, lemon, and pepper. This is a healthier alternative to most dips and a great way to improve your health.
Alternatively, create a yogurt dressing instead of using mayonnaise on salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Doing so adds a creamy and delightfully light to your meals that you can customize with herbs and vegetables.
