Health Benefits of Yogurt!!
Yogurt is considered a healthy dairy product which is made by fermenting milk. It contains many nutrients which prove to be beneficial for our health.
Some of the nutrients it consists are of course calcium, zinc, good quality protein, B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12. Also, it contains magnesium and phosphorous.
Yogurt is very popular as it contains a good amount of probiotics.
Now, what are these probiotics?
Probiotics are living micro-organisms which when consumed and on entering the human gut are considered very healthy and show healthy effects on the body.
Besides being healthy and nutrient rich, yogurt is also a tasty addition to your regular diet.
What are Major Health Advantages of Yogurt?
- Yogurt and your Heart
Intake of fermented dairy products were inversely related heart diseases as per studies conducted.
- Diabetes and Yogurt Intake
According to a research, consuming yogurt was connected with lowered risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Yogurt and its relation to Mortality
For me it was just amazing to know that a study has shown that consumption of fermented milk was inversely associated to all-cause mortality in both the genders. So maybe we can look forward to eating yogurt to increase our lifespan?!!
- Yogurt and Gut Function
Yogurt is known to be easily digestible.
It is helpful in many gastro intestinal related problems such as lactose intolerance. It contains an enzyme called lactase (which helps in breaking down and digesting lactose) and does not contain lactose which is the root cause of problem in lactose intolerance.
It also helps in bowl movement and thus helps in relieving constipation.
Coming to diarrheal diseases. Yes, it helps in managing this condition as well.
Some other diseases wherein yogurt may be useful in managing the condition are colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and H- Pylori infection which is one of the cause of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
- Yogurt and Calcium
you all must be aware that calcium is required for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles as well.
- Yogurt and Zinc
Zinc supports theusual growth nd development of the body. Also it is helpful in wound healing and improves immune system.
- Easy to Digest
It is a good source of the various nutrients for elderly as it is very easy to digest and the digestion function is compromised in elderly population.
- Yogurt and Protein
Last but not the least the protein present in milk and milk products is good quality and help in fulfilling its various functions such as strengthening muscles, responsible for maintaining good health in general, good skin, hair etc. responsible for maintaining growth and general wear and tear in the body.
Always remember to consume skimmed or low fat yogurt which is without added sugar!! In this way, you can include it as a nutritious food to be added to your weight loss diet as well.
Experts beleive that there is more research required on yogurt though to reach a consensus and also to show various other health advantages which may be linked to its consumption apart from the ones mentioned above.
How to eat Yogurt?
It can be eaten just plain.
You can blend any fruit into it and have it, it just tatse yumm!
It makes a tasty, healthy and low fat salad dressing.
Using it as a base, add various flavourings into it to make dips and sauces. for e.g. garlicky dip, oregano or mixed herbs dip, coriander/mint dip etc.
Also it can make a good base for stuffing a sandwich e.g. you can add a add shredded grilled chicken and a pnich of salt and pepper to make grilled chicken sandwich or add chopped mixed veggies to it to make a lovely veggie-sandwich.
Add it to your breakfast cereal to improve its nutrition and some protein to it.
Please Note
For any blood tests or various health checkups in Mumbai, please visit www.healthdekho.com
References
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/2/245/4690304
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227525305_The_nutrition_and_health_benefits_of_yogurt
