GREEK YOGURT; WHAT IT IS AND THE BENEFITS-min

GREEK YOGURT; WHAT IT IS AND THE BENEFITS

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Greek yogurt is a dairy product with vast potential health benefits. It contains lots of nutrients, proteins and is very versatile.

What would you say if someone asked you to mention some of the popular foods you know? If you are a yogurt fan, then it is no doubt you will mention it at the top of your list. With the nutritional benefits you get and how versatile the dairy product is, it is no surprise. However, other than the regular yogurt, how about incorporating Greek yogurt into your diet? It is special in its way, with a great share of health benefits too. Keep reading to find out what you can obtain from eating this yogurt.

What is Greek Yogurt?

 This is a dairy product made with an additional step in its process, which involves getting rid of the excess water, minerals, and lactose. Once these are drained out, the remainder is a creamy yogurt containing reduced sugar and more carbs. Therefore, it differs from the regular and sweeter yogurt, which you might be well accustomed to. What’s more, Greek yogurt is acidic, making it easier to absorb other nutrients in your body.

Suppose you are wondering how you can take this yogurt, no problem. You can have it for breakfast or add it with some bananas and blueberries for a perfect dessert. Alternatively, it is a good topping for your soups, or replace it with butter and spread it on your bread. It is so versatile, and you can enjoy experimenting with it.

Furthermore, Greek yogurt is full of nutrients and can benefit your health in many ways, as you will soon find out.

The Benefits of Greek Yogurt

The following are some of the potential health benefits you can get if you incorporate Greek yogurt into your diet;

Great Source of Protein

Unlike regular yogurt, Greek yogurt doubles the protein content in it. Therefore, when you consume it, you will tend to feel fuller for a longer time. This way, you can reduce your appetite. Therefore, since research suggests that eating a meal full of proteins helps you eat less throughout the day, why not consume Greek yogurt, which is a great source of proteins?

Also, if you are a vegetarian, you can find this a great alternative source of protein. You no longer have to struggle with obtaining protein in your diet. Your body utilizes the protein in building your muscles, skin, blood, and even your hair.

A 6-ounce serving of Greek yogurt contains 15-20g of proteins compared to the 9g of an equal serving you get from normal yogurt. Therefore, if you want extra protein in your diet, why not add some Greek yogurt as a part of your meals?

Moreover, if you are looking for ways of consuming fewer calories, proteins can help you do this. Over time, this practice can aid your weight loss journey too. So, why not add some Greek yogurt for its proteins that can aid in fewer calories?

Contains Calcium

If you want to stay healthy, one of the vital nutrients you need to consume is calcium. If you want to have stronger muscles and well-functioning body organs, calcium is key. Moreover, as an adult in need of stronger bones and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis, you can consider taking calcium. Children also require it for their development.

However, since your body doesn’t naturally produce it, you can get t from food sources, and Greek yogurt is a perfect example. Well, you can get it from eating Greek yogurt. You can conveniently eat it without much hassle, even when you have a problem chewing.

Packed With Probiotics

What is one thing you know about probiotics? These are hormones that help in boosting your immunity. Also, they aid in preventing conditions that might upset your stomach, from pains to diarrhea. The good news is, Greek yogurt contains these good bacteria.When they are balanced in your system, the bad bacteria have no room for buildup.

Moreover, according to one research, probiotics can help you feel less distressed and relieve you of feelings of sadness. They will help you feel happier about yourself. Therefore, these hormones are a plus for you, and you can gladly get them from consuming Greek yogurt.

Great For Your Mental Health

Among the things you should take good care of is your mental health. Stress, depression, and anxiety are among the conditions that tamper with your mental wellbeing. Therefore, if you find a way of tackling it through your diet, why not give it a chance?

The good news is, if you consume Greek yogurt, you get its probiotics which encourage good mental health. Therefore, you can make it your goal to consume around 100g of this yogurt so you can get the beneficial probiotics. This effect can be due to the connection between your brain and gut.

A Boost to Your Bone Health

As you have learned, Greek yogurt contains calcium and proteins. These are essential nutrients for your bone health. Together, they help you have stronger bones and improve bone health in general. Moreover, the consumption of calcium is linked to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, when you eat Greek yogurt, you boost the health of your bones since it contains vital nutrients that aid in this.

Great After a Workout

Once you are done with your workout session, you might need recovery food. Greek yogurt is a good choice and a healthy one too. Adding some bananas will make it even more nutritious. If you had any fiber damage in the process of your tough workout, the proteins in this yogurt would help in the repair.Therefore, if you want a snack after having your exercise session, Greek yogurt got you sorted.

Conclusion

If you want to boost your bone health, have nutrients like protein and calcium in great amounts, then it is time you consider taking Greek yogurt. Unlike the normal yogurt, this one has an extra process involved in its making. Moreover,it is very versatile, and you can consume it in many ways. Therefore, if you want to receive any of the health benefits mentioned, why not incorporate this Greek yogurt into your diet?

Marie Salbuvik

Dietician
MS, Lund University, Sweden

Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.

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