IS GREEK YOGURT GOOD FOR YOU

Is greek yogurt really good for you? Read on to find out more about the benefits of this delicious treat!

Greek yogurt is a product of fermentation just like regular yogurt. It is made by heating up milk so the lactose is converted to lactic acid by using specific bacteria. Both regular and greek yogurt is made by using the same ingredients but they differ due to how they are made. Greek yogurt is strained up to three times to remove the whey and the excess liquids from regular yogurt. As a result, Greek yogurt requires much more milk to produce the same amount as regular yogurt.

Modern methods may include using centrifuges to achieve the same thing. Removing the liquid results in a much thicker consistency and tangier taste. Due to the more milk needed to make it though it’s more expensive. It also can last quite a while regarding shelf life. The nutrients it provides are very healthy. It’s ideal for daily consumption, a good source of fat, iodine, carbs, and protein depending on what style of greek yogurt you choose or from which brand.

Greek yogurt (nonfat) nutrition facts: Source: USDA

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Why greek yogurt is better for you? 

1. Bones Health

is greek gods yogurt healthy

Protein is necessary for keeping strong bones since it serves as the basis for muscular formation. A lack of protein can result in osteoporosis, a disorder in which the bones become weak and brittle. Although osteoporosis is frequently linked to age, it can also be brought on by a few other disorders. In order to prevent osteoporosis, It is recommended to consume at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Moreover, Greek yogurt has enough protein which is necessary for bone health. A single serving provides about 10 grams of protein, which is higher than many other foods. Greek yogurt encourages bone health and lowers the chances of degenerative bone illnesses.

2. Is greek yogurt good for gut health?

Gut health is one of the most overlooked things in our bodies, the probiotics that come from greek yogurt are usually made during the fermentation process. The most common answer is that probiotics are an excellent way to restore balance within your gut, but that may differ for some. Some studies show that some guts are more resilient to probiotics than others. There has also been a study where people who have had more probiotic yogurt a day or a probiotic pill experienced less depression, anxiety, and stress. This may very well be linked to the relationship our brain has with our gut to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine these neurotransmitters are sometimes considered hormones and usually moderate our mood throughout the day.

3. How does it help in weight loss?

is greek yogurt good for weight loss

When trying to lose weight, greek yogurt is a great food to eat. Due to its low calories and more protein, it’s a popular product to consume when you want to lose weight. The study says, eating more protein also means burning more calories because we need more energy to convert protein to energy and digest it. Greek yogurt is a great snack for anyone limiting their calorie intake since it has less than 100 calories per cup. Furthermore, it contains a lot of protein, which increases metabolism and speeds up fat burning.

4. Is greek yogurt good for muscle mass?

In addition to the prior benefit, it’s an amazing tool to build muscle mass. It can be used as an ingredient in a recipe such as fruits, granola, honey, nuts, and seeds.

5. Rich in essential vitamins

A great source of zinc, potassium, selenium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. All of them have a particular role that plays in our body and is required for optimal immune function, red blood cell formation, and energy production, eating yogurt has been linked to having greater bone mineral density and lower risks of osteoporosis or osteopenia among the elderly or older adults.

6. Versatility and taste

Besides all the health benefits there may be one more reason to indulge in greek yogurt, and that’s because it’s delicious. Both good for savory and sweet dishes alike there are a lot of ways to implement them into your food here are some examples,
  •  Sprinkle some fruits like bananas, berries, or chopped nuts like almonds, and walnuts on top of your greek yogurt for a more fulfilling breakfast
  •  Use it as a base for dipping sauces
  •  Can be used to coat foods in spices for a marinade
  •  It can also be used as an alternative to sour cream for nachos, topping pancakes, roasted brussels sprouts, or baked potatoes.
  •  It can be combined with oatmeal for a very healthy and nutritious meal
  •  It can also be added to smoothies or milkshakes for a pack of protein  

7. It contains iodine

Iodine is a mineral found in some foods. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, these hormones help the body’s metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs iodine during pregnancy for proper brain and bone development and function during infancy. Iodine deficiency isn’t common however it leads to some nasty problems such as stunted growth and lack of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency poses problems for pregnant women especially leaving the fetus to have stunted growth and it causes a lower than average IQ in infants and children. It decreases the ability to work and think clearly as adults.
 
The history behind Greek yogurt is truly fascinating as well. The Greeks weren’t the only ones eating this delicious dairy product. The writings of Herodotus reveal that the Greeks started using strained yogurt in the 5th century BCE most commonly using it as a spreadable dip for their Flatbreads and then they also used olive oil, olives, and pickles to boost the flavor. Think of it as prehistoric tzatziki.

So what is the answer?

Both regular yogurt and greek yogurt are healthy, however, people should choose depending on their dietary needs and adjust accordingly. Don’t go for the sweetened versions for any of the two. Since those are usually packed with sugar and have higher calories than regular plain yogurts, can lead to unwanted weight gain, cavities, and heart disease. You can add your own amount of sugar or drizzle some honey on top of the amount you want.

If you are looking to boost your protein intake greek yogurt is ideal. Low fat is recommended for people that want to keep their calories in check. Greek yogurt is also regarded as a superfood for the amount of protein it has. It also keeps you satiated for a while due to how fulfilling it is. Even if it is a little more expensive than regular yogurt the extra cost is most definitely worth it for the health benefits alone. It can last up to two weeks in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer. These are the benefits of the superfood we know as Greek yogurt.

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