It is common knowledge that yogurt is part of a healthy diet, but this tasty food is actually much more beneficial than you might think. Thanks to its calcium, protein, vitamin D, B6 and B12 content, as well as riboflavin, the nutritional value of yogurt should not be underestimated. Best of all, it comes in so many different and tasty varieties you are guaranteed to find something to match your taste.
1. Yogurt Offers Protection Against High Blood Pressure
Thanks to the stress of modern living, high blood pressure is all too common. Fortunately, studies have found that eating more yogurt has the benefit of providing protection against high blood pressure and can prevent hypertension. The reason is the probiotics that are found in yogurt, and according to the studies, the equivalent of one serving every three days should be consumed to experience the benefits.
2. Yogurt Is Great For Dental Health
Surprisingly enough, yogurt is also a valuable tool when it comes to oral hygiene. A small study performed by Japanese researchers found that regularly eating sugarless yogurt reduced the hydrogen sulfide levels in the mouths of the participants. Since hydrogen sulfide causes bad breath this is good news for yogurt fans. In addition, the people who ate yogurt also had much lower levels of gingivitis and plaque, and yogurt is high in calcium so it strengthens teeth.
3. Yogurt Strengthens The Immune System
Anyone who regularly finds him or herself afflicted with colds or flus can benefit from the respiratory fighting properties of yogurt. Research has found that yogurt containing the Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 probiotic strain can actually decrease the odds of ending up with a respiratory infection. It can also reduce the duration of the infection if it does occur and reduce nasal congestion.
4. Yogurt Lowers The Risk Of Developing Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, but according to studies, eating yogurt daily can reduce the risk of getting this disease by up to 18 percent. Of course, it’s not a magical cure and must still be consumed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
5. Yogurt Satisfies Your Fruit Cravings
The problem with eating healthy is that snack cravings can sometimes kick in and throw any diet into disarray. However, studies done comparing the satiating power of yogurts compared to dairy fruit drinks and fruit beverages had very encouraging results. It was found that yogurt, either semisolid or liquid, was more satiating, which resulted in lower hunger as well as higher fullness after consumption.
6. Yogurt Improves Bone Mineral Density
Strong bones are essential for anyone who lives an active lifestyle and, according to studies done by the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife yogurt is a good choice for higher bone mineral density. The researchers discovered that about three servings of yogurt per day resulted in better bone density. This means that making yogurt a part of your regular diet is a great way to prevent osteoporosis.
7. Yogurt Is Tolerable For Those With Lactose Intolerance
Anyone suffering from lactose intolerance will find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to dairy products. However, despite containing some lactose, yogurt can usually be enjoyed by lactose intolerant people in order to benefit from the vitamin D, protein and calcium it contains.
8. Yogurt Is Good For Digestion
Thanks to the probiotics in yogurt, you are able to get a boost in digestive health by making it a part of your diet. Probiotics is not only good for digestion, but can also help with irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea in cases where antibiotics, which killed off the good bacteria, were taken. The probiotics in yogurt will also help to keep you regular.
9. Yogurt Is A Great Source For Vitamins
Vitamins such as B12 are essential for a healthy body and brain. However, B12 is mostly found in meats, which means it can lead to a deficiency in those who prefer a vegetarian lifestyle. Although B12 can be obtained from supplements, it is also found in Greek yogurt for a more natural alternative.
10. Yogurt Is Good For The Skin And Hair
You don’t even have to eat yogurt to enjoy some of the benefits that it has to offer. Natural yogurt will do the trick if you’re looking rid yourself of split ends or soothe an inflamed scalp. It can even provide your hair with natural shine, leaving it feeling soft and looking silky. In addition, yogurt can be used as a skin moisturizer and even help to fight acne.
