Have you ever stopped and wondered why a whole aisle in the supermarket is dedicated to yoghurts? That’s because yoghurts have many benefits to offer and various kinds of yoghurts cater to people with different needs. It’s one of the reasons why you’re able to find plenty of yoghurt options that differ both in flavours and nutrients.
Though the humble yoghurt may seem ordinary, do not underestimate the many health benefits it can offer. The modest-looking yoghurt is known to benefit gut health (depending on the type of yoghurt consumed) and contribute to protection of bones and teeth. It doesn’t just stop there.
Here are more facts on the goodness of yoghurt towards our health.
#1 Yoghurt may be more tolerable than milk for people who are lactose intolerant
Yoghurt contains a low lactose content as compared to milk. Those who are lactose intolerant may find yoghurt friendlier to their stomach. This could also be due to the bacteria in yoghurt that help with digestion. If you’re lactose intolerant and keen on trying yoghurt, you’re advised to try a small portion first to see how your body reacts to it. This helps minimise any adverse reaction if you’re intolerant towards yoghurt too. However, people with milk allergies may not benefit from consuming yoghurt.
#2 Some yoghurt variants are rich in calcium and vitamins
Dairy products contain a good amount of calcium and this includes yoghurt as well. Yoghurts contain essential calcium minerals that benefit teeth and bone health. On top of calciums, yoghurt is also rich in vitamin Bs such as vitamin B12 and riboflavin. These vitamins have the potential to protect against heart disease.
One cup of yoghurt also provides other minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. These minerals help with metabolism, blood pressure regulation and bone health.
#3 Yoghurts with probiotics may boost the immune system
Probiotics not only functions as your gut’s best friend, it also functions as the protector of your gut. Some strains of probiotics can help prevent the growth of harmful bacterias in your gut. Furthermore, some probiotics have also been found to have the potential to encourage the production of natural antibodies. This can help our body to shield against infections.
#4 Yoghurt may help in weight management
Yoghurt’s high protein content is found to be very filling and this in turn can make you feel full faster and better your overall diet. There are also studies that propose the idea that people who consume yoghurt may eat better generally when compared to those who do not eat yoghurt. This is because of yoghurt’s high nutrient content. Experts recommend including Greek Yoghurt in your diet as it has several properties that can help with managing your weight.
Source: Healthline & WebMD