Yogurt has become a popular food item over the past few years in western civilizations. However, it has been part of the staple diet in many cultures across the globe. It’s delicious, healthy, and nutritious. But did you know that yogurt contains probiotics?
But did you know that yogurt also contains probiotics? And that it’s one of the most effective sources of probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that help maintain gut health. They also help fight against bad bacteria and viruses. In fact, studies have shown that consuming probiotic foods can reduce symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, and even allergies.
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What Does Yogurt Contain?
Calcium
One of the main reasons why people consume yogurt is to increase their bone density. Calcium is essential for building strong bones. The recommended daily intake of calcium is between 1,000-1,200 mg per day. However, consuming yogurt provides approximately 300 mg of calcium per serving. Therefore, eating two servings of yogurt each day would provide sufficient amounts of calcium.
Vitamin D
Another reason why people eat yogurt is to maintain healthy skin and nails. Vitamin D helps to prevent rickets and osteomalacia. Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Protein
Yogurt is a popular source of protein, and it provides a wide variety of benefits.
Proteins are vital to our overall health, and they’re especially important for children. Protein is needed for growth and development, and it helps build strong bones and muscles. It also plays a key role in repairing damaged tissue and healing wounds.
In fact, yogurt is a complete protein source, meaning it provides all 8 essential amino acids needed for human growth and development.
Potassium
Yogurt also contains potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance in the body. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, nerve function, and normal heartbeat.
Live Cultures
Some experts believe that consuming yogurt with live cultures improves overall digestive function. Live cultures are responsible for producing lactic acid, which lowers stomach pH levels. Lactic acid helps to break down undigested carbohydrates and proteins.
Uses of Consuming Yogurt for Health Benefits
Probiotics
Many studies show that probiotic bacteria found in yogurt promote good digestion. Probiotics are helpful in preventing diarrhea and constipation. They also boost immunity and fight against infections.
Lower Blood Pressure
Yogurt lowers blood pressure because it helps reduce cholesterol levels. Research shows that people who consume high amounts of dairy products tend to have lower blood pressure. This may be due to the fact that milk proteins contain calcium and potassium. These minerals help regulate blood pressure. Milk
Healthy Weight Loss
According to the American Dietetic Association, yogurt contains several nutrients that support weight loss. One study shows that women who consumed low-fat yogurts lost more weight than those who did not consume any yogurt at all. Another study showed that overweight men who ate yogurt three times a week had lower body mass index (BMI) scores compared to those who did not consume yogurt.
Reduce Cholesterol
Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria that helps keep cholesterol in check.
Yogurt Calms Nerves
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria found naturally in our bodies. Probiotics are known to improve digestion and boost immunity. They may also reduce stress levels and promote a healthy mood. Studies show that eating yogurt regularly can help relieve symptoms of depression.
Yogurt Relieves Gas
Yogurt relieves gas by helping your body digest food properly. Your digestive system needs to work correctly to absorb nutrients from food. If your digestion is not working properly, then your body cannot absorb nutrients properly. This leads to gas buildup in your intestines. Yogurt helps your body digest food properly, which reduces gas build up.
Yogurt Cures Sore Throats
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria found naturally in food. Probiotics help maintain healthy digestion and balance the immune system. They can also help prevent colds and flu.
Treats Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. This causes heartburn or indigestion. Yogurt helps prevent this problem by coating the stomach lining and neutralizing the acidic contents. If you suffer from acid reflux, try eating a cup of plain yogurt before bedtime. You may find that your symptoms disappear within minutes.
Beneficial for Lactose Intolerant People
Yogurt is also a healthy alternative to other dairy products. Many people avoid dairy due to concerns over lactose intolerance, but yogurt is actually easier to digest than milk. In fact, research shows that consuming yogurt regularly reduces the risk of developing lactose intolerance.
Low Glycemic Index
Yogurt has a low glycemic index (GI). GI measures how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream. Low-GI foods are digested slowly and provide a steady stream of glucose to the brain and muscles.
Yogurt Eliminates Bad Breath
The friendly bacteria in yogurt help prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your stomach and intestines. This helps reduce bad breath.
Yogurt Topical Application Benefits
The topical application of yogurt has been used by many cultures as a remedy for various skin conditions. The most common use of yogurt is for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and promote healthy gut flora. These bacteria also fight off harmful bacteria and fungi, making it a great treatment for infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Acne
Yogurt is a natural cleanser for the skin. When applied topically, it helps to cleanse pores and remove excess oil. This makes it effective at reducing pimples and blackheads.
Eczema
Yogurt is rich in lactic acid, which is helpful in soothing irritated skin. It also contains proteins that help moisturize dry skin.
Psoriasis
Yogurt is high in protein and fat, which nourishes the skin and promotes healing. It also contains vitamin B12, which strengthens cell walls and reduces inflammation.
Dermatitis
Yogurt is often recommended for those suffering from dermatitis. It works well against bacterial infections and fungal infections.
Ringworm
Yogurt is known to contain antibacterial properties, which prevent the spread of ringworms.
Fungal Infections
Yogurt contains lactobacillus bacteria, which inhibit the growth of harmful fungi.
Yogurt Moisturizes Dry Skin
Yogurt is a natural source of lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead cells and make your skin smooth and soft. Yogurt applied to the skin for 15 minutes will leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Yogurt Nourishes Hair
Yogurt Soothes Burns
Yogurt Heals Wounds
In conclusion, yogurt has been around since ancient times, and it’s still going strong today. It’s packed full of probiotics, which have been shown to support digestive health and boost immunity. Plus, it’s delicious and versatile, so you can eat it plain, add fruit, or even blend it into smoothies. Try adding some Greek yogurt to your diet today, and see if you notice any changes!
source: National Institutes of Health