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Discover The Health Benefits Of Greek Yogurt

Healthy nutrition is of utmost importance for a healthy body. There are many superfoods that you may want to eat to stay fit. In this article, we will be discussing the health benefits of one such superfood, Greek yogurt. 

Yogurt is one of the most famous dairy products consumed globally. It is a nutrient-rich food packed with calcium and probiotics. Consumer-demand for yogurt and yogurt related products has increased in recent years because of its known health benefits. Yogurt is available in the market in different flavors and textures.

What Is Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is different from the regular, sweeter yogurt. It is processed in a slightly different manner to remove the extra sugar and carbohydrates from it. Greek yogurt is a nutrient-rich dairy product that can be added to your meals as it offers several health benefits.

What is the nutritional content of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a highly nutritious dairy product. It is a rich source of calcium, proteins, probiotics, vitamin B12, potassium, thiamine, phosphorus, and iodine. 

The health benefits of Greek yogurt are:

1: Improves gut health

Greek yogurt contains a good number of probiotics. These are nothing but good bacteria that kill the harmful bacteria within our gut and balance the gut health. Probiotics are often used as add-on therapy in the management of diarrhoea and as an immunity booster. As per some recent clinical studies, probiotics can improve the functioning of the brain through the gut-brain axis. Gut benefits of probiotics vary from person to person.

Read more about: 10 Best Foods For A Healthy Gut System

2: Improves bone health

Calcium is an essential mineral required for healthy and strong bones. Our bones are mainly made up of calcium and other components. As Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, it can improve bone health. It also reduces the risk of a degenerative disorder called osteoporosis.

Greek yoghurt exhibits various health benefits. As it is a high source of protein, having Greek yoghurt after any physical exercise might help in building muscular strength.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

3: A rich source of protein

Greek yogurt contains a much higher amount of protein than milk. Protein is an essential nutrient that is required for the health of your muscles, bones, immune system, skin, hair, and cartilage. It helps to maintain muscle mass as you age.

Read more about: 15 Protein-Rich Foods For A Healthy Life

4: Lowering blood pressure

Physiologically, your body maintains blood pressure through the balance between sodium and potassium. Excess sodium can increase your blood pressure while potassium reduces blood pressure. Greek yogurt is a rich source of potassium and thus it helps to maintain normal blood pressure levels. There is strong clinical evidence to support the finding that fermented milk with probiotics can reduce blood pressure.

5: Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

As per a recent study, yogurt can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can affect the sugar-handling process in the body.

Also Read: Can You Freeze Yogurt? A Guide to Safe Storage Practices

6: Boosts metabolism and helps to maintain body weight

Greek yogurt is rich in iodine, an essential mineral for your body. Iodine is required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the thyroid has a central role in the regulation of body metabolism. Iodine deficiency impairs metabolism and weight gain. Eating the right amount of iodine-containing foods such as Greek yogurt can boost metabolism and help to maintain a healthy body weight.

Greek yoghurt is a rich source of various nutrients such as vitamins, minerals like calcium, probiotics, etc. When you are pregnant, all these nutrients are essential for your baby’s normal development. Therefore, it is a good idea to indulge in some Greek yoghurt recipes during your pregnancy.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

7: Healthy food after workout 

As Greek yogurt is a rich source of potassium and proteins, it is a very good food option for post-workout recovery. The protein in it helps to repair the muscle fiber damage during workouts. Even bananas are another good option for post-workout recovery.

Read more about: 12 Top Benefits of Cycling: Why Cycling Is Good For Your Health

8: Vitamin B12 rich food

Vitamin B12 is vital for the function of your brain, nerves, and red blood cells. Its deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia, a type of red blood cell disorder.

Most pure vegetarians are vitamin B12 deficient as mainly animal products provide your vitamin B12 requirements. Greek yogurt can serve as a good food source of vitamin B12 for pure vegetarian people.  

9. Feel Fuller For Longer

Both normal and greek yoghurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, vitamins and minerals, but how are they different from each other? Greek yoghurt is strained to remove most of the whey. The result is a thicker, creamier yoghurt with twice the protein content, filling your belly up and keeping you full for longer.

10. Detoxify Your Skin

Adding a serving of Greek yoghurt to your daily routine can do wonders for your skin. It is rich in vitamins B2, B6 and B12, plus the probiotics help keep your colon healthy. A lot of skin health depends on your gut health. If your stomach is healthy, it will show on your skin.  It all comes together to put less stress on your skin to eliminate waste, giving you the glow you deserve.

Take-home message

Greek yogurt, especially plain, unsweetened can keep you fit by promoting your bone health, gut health, immunity, and overall health.

Read more about: 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Skipping Rope

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