Yogurt has grown popular nowadays, a good indication that people are becoming more aware of eating healthy. Yogurt is a dairy product that undergoes fermentation which has live bacteria incorporated into the milk that transforms lactose in milk into lactic acid. It has a tart like flavor and a thick pudding texture. It is readily available in groceries and it comes in different flavors adding to its growing popularity among the younger people.

The live bacteria on yogurt are one of the many health benefits it offers. The live microorganisms present in the fermented yogurt are labeled as the “good bacteria” or scientifically known as “Probiotics”. They act on keeping the natural balance of good bacteria in the intestines promoting a healthy microflora which greatly helps in food digestion and absorption. Just make sure it says “with live active cultures” on the label to start enjoying the benefits of the good bacteria.

What are the known benefits of eating yogurt?

• Yogurt is known to be rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B12, zinc, potassium and iodine. It can be a supplement for necessary nutrients needed by the body.
• Live good bacteria help strengthen the immune system. Research indicates it prevents vaginal yeast infections in women and boosts immune response for the elderly.
• It lowers the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. Intake of 100 grams of probiotic yogurt regularly improves the HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) while lowering the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
• It decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Yogurt is rich in calcium compared to other milk and dairy products. Some yogurt preparations have incorporated vitamin D which further strengthens bones.
• Probiotic microorganisms help in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. It improves constipation, diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease and may also prevent colon cancer.
• Can promote weight loss especially if you take skim yogurt. Yogurt has the sufficient calcium with fewer calories thus less weight gain. A study published in The International Journal of Obesity shows that one to two servings of yogurt daily helps in losing fat.
• Protects against ulcers by defeating the Helicobacter pylori that causes ulcers.
• Eating yogurt promotes fresher breath by lowering sulfide components that causes bad breath. Sugar free yogurts can also help in protecting the gums from gingivitis and reducing the development of plaque and cavities.

These benefits are truly yours to enjoy if you start eating yogurt and incorporate it in your daily diet. It is fun to eat with a variety of fruits and berries that can enhance its flavor and taste. Instead of dips you can substitute yogurt as a dip to carrots, celery and chips. Yogurt can be made into different kinds of recipes such as soups, sauces to pasta and marinate for meat preparations. Kids would love the frozen yogurt, an alternative to ice cream which has twice calcium and fewer calories. Toss your salads with a yogurt dressing. Grab a yogurt now and start your way to eating a healthy lifestyle.

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