Have you ever noticed that yogurt shelves far surpassed those for cheese? The only reason for this is that the need for a healthy diet has become increasingly more acute. Traditional dairy products pass the background in this case.
What are the benefits of yogurt?
First, you need to know that your body needs a certain amount of beneficial bacteria that act on the digestive tract. Many yoghurts on sale are composed of live cultures of bacteria. A vital aspect regarding this product is probiotic. The word “probiotic” is based on the principle of “pro life”, and refers to the manner in which certain living organisms may have a beneficial role when ingested in adequate amounts.
Some bacteria can contribute by adjusting the intestinal microflora (natural weighting of the number of bacteria), or by direct action on body functions (digestion or immune system). What you need to remember is that only those yogurts that contain the indication “contains live cultures” are probiotics.
In addition, do not forget that yogurt comes from milk. Thus, with it, we benefit from animal protein plus a number of other specific nutrients of dairy products, such as calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, potassium and magnesium. In fact, the positive role that it plays in terms of health, yogurt is increasingly convincing more people to turn it into eating as a daily habit. Next, I reveal five possible benefits that arise if you eat yogurt every day:
1. It may prevent osteoporosis
Vitamin D and calcium plays a role in preventing osteoporosis. In fact, controlled diet is very important both to prevent and to treat this disease. It was demonstrated that the presence of calcium in bones plays a decisive role, regardless of age. However, daily intake of calcium and vitamin D might increase with age, while the negative impact of various chronic diseases can create natural deposit of such nutrients.
For older adults, vitamin D is vital. It is found in many dairy products on the market, but it’s good to know that some yogurts have added vitamin D. All you have to do is to read product labels carefully to make the right choice.
2. It may reduce hypertension
A recent study in Spain (over two years), found a link between daily consumption of milk and the occurrence of hypertension. The results concluded that the risk of this disease is diminished by up to half in people who eat 2-3 servings of yogurt per day. The sample who took part in the research, was compared with another, made up of people who have eaten only occasionally or never yogurt.
3. Live cultures in yogurt are benefic for digestion
Yogurts like this can help prevent or improve some gastrointestinal diseases, such as:
– Lactose intolerance
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Colon cancer
– Bloating
– Various intestinal infections
4. Live cultures discourage vaginal infections
The most common vaginal infection is caused by a bacterium called Candida albicans. More common in women with diabetes, especially plague and if she is pregnant or just gave birth. A recent study found that yoghurt may have a role as an enhancer for those diabetic patients who suffer from chronic candidiasis. The result is: decreased blood glucose levels.
5. Is ample
Research from a small group of scientists from the University of Washington, Seattle, studied a group of 36 men and women. They took a 200-calorie snack, and scientists took into account their degree of saturation. The snack consisted of one of the following:
– Semi yogurt with peach pieces, eaten with a spoon
– The same yogurt in liquid form
– Yogurt drink, Peach flavor
– Peach juice
Although those who chose snack of yogurt, have eaten fewer calories in meals, snacks chosen gave them a greater feeling of satiety than the other variants.
Choose carefully sweeteners!
The question is whether we accept to eat yogurt that contains sugar, and to what extent you opt for an artificially sweetened product of its kind. Sugar has more calories, so there is fat. If you follow a diet, it is natural to want to avoid sugar-free yogurt. Therefore, we advise you to look for products specifically designed for those in need. The range is wide, but the taste, might differ a bit from brand to brand.
Eat yogurt as a snack!
Rich in calcium, yogurt is an ideal choice when you want to eat less and be healthy for a long time. Mke a cup of dried fruit or cereals, and this will be not only tasty but also very healthy. You will ensure the body intake of vitamin D and fibers, so necessary for us.