Yoghurt is a healthy dairy product made by fermenting milk. It provides nutrients, probiotics, calcium, vitamin B, and protein. The bacteria used to make yoghurt are called "yoghurt culture." These cultures help convert the natural sugar found in milk into lactic acid, which gives yoghurt its flavour and texture. Yoghurt can be made from all varieties of milk. It can be even made at home by adding a bit of curd to milk or a dash of lemon juice, which yields lactic acid bacteria known as Lactobacillus. From smoothies, raita, to dips, yoghurt can be used in a range of recipes. Wellness enthusiasts are preferring low fat yoghurt for weight loss diets.
Yoghurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, and can help lose weight, take care of bone health, and also gut health. Studies have shown that yogurt consumption has been linked to weight loss by altering the microbiome of colonic architecture. Being a rich source of calcium and Vitamin D, it can also manage high blood pressure.
According to Professor Paul Jacques, a senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts, "One thing we do know is that yogurt is a good source of nutrients." He adds that yoghurt is a vitamin-and-mineral-dense source of high-quality protein, which may explain why yoghurt-eaters are less likely to be deficient in vitamins B2 and B12, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Benefits of eating yogurt every day
1. Improves immune system Studies have shown that eating yogurt every day can improve your immune system. Elderly people who consumed yogurt daily had a lower risk of developing colds compared to those who drank milk. Yoghurt contains probiotics and vitamin D, which help strengthen the immune system, according to Research Gate.
2. Improves heart healthAccording to researchers, consuming yoghurt every day can improve heart health. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, nutrients, and protein, all of which contribute to better heart health. Higher intakes of yoghurt were associated with a 30% reduction in risk of MI (myocardial infarction), as per NHS.
3. Helps in weight management
Research indicates that those who consume more than three servings of yoghurt per week are better able to manage their weight. Yoghurt contains lactic acid bacteria, which benefits gut health, and its rich food matrix reduces cravings. The nutrients it provides also offer sustained energy.
4. Strengthens bone health
Yoghurt is a dietary powerhouse, rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. A study of Irish adults published in Osteoporosis International found that people who consume yoghurt have stronger bone health.
5. Improves blood pressure and blood sugarResearchers have found that yoghurt-eaters are more likely to have lower blood pressure. Yoghurt helps lower blood glucose levels and is rich in calcium, protein, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D. These nutrients help relax and tighten blood vessels when needed.
