Astonishing Benefits Of Yogurt

Sonia Augustine

Ex Associate Lecturer - KMC Mangalore

BSc. Nursing 

> Most brands of yogurt contain good-for-you bacteria. The words "live and active cultures" on the container mean that your yogurt has probiotics, beneficial bugs that live in your digestive tract and help crowd out harmful microorganisms that can cause intestinal infections.

> Just one cup provides 49% of your daily calcium needs

> It is also high in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and riboflavin, both of which may protect against heart disease and certain neural tube birth defects

> One cup also provides 38% of your daily need for phosphorus, 12% for magnesium and 18% for potassium. These minerals are essential for several biological processes, such as regulating blood pressure, metabolism and bone health

> One nutrient that yogurt does not contain naturally is vitamin D, but it is commonly fortified with it. Vitamin D promotes bone and immune system health and may reduce the risk of some diseases, including heart disease and depression

> Yogurt provides an impressive amount of protein, with about 12 grams per 7 ounces (200 grams)

> Yogurt has several properties that may help with weight management.
For starters, it is high in protein, which works along with calcium to increase levels of appetite-reducing hormones like peptide YY and GLP-1.

Furthermore, several studies have found that yogurt consumption is associated with lower body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference
Results showed that 31 percent of volunteers were less likely to develop high blood pressure when at least 2 percent of their daily caloric intake was yogurt, equivalent to at least one six-ounce cup of low-fat yogurt every three days. Their systolic blood pressure also increased significantly less than those who did not eat yogurt. These findings support a common belief that low-fat dairy products reduce blood pressure.
Imagine having your favourite meal sans the touch of salt? This could be such a depressing thought, but ask anyone who suffers from high blood pressure and their emotions would be proof enough on the same.

However, there are many ways to make your meals yummy too, and this time we would think of a humble cup of yogurt (low-fat) to provide you with a delicious platter and to bring down or manage high blood-pressure levels too.

> Frequent consumption of yogurt helps manage weight and the BMI of the body, and is known to bring down blood pressure levels too.

> With a helping of low-fat yogurt in your daily diet, the risks of high blood pressure can be brought down as well. This is because yogurt has plenty of calcium and immense amounts of nutrients that your diet needs.

> Yogurt has a lot of protein in it, which helps keeps the hunger pangs at bay and you happy and full for a longer period of time. It can also help the body with hydration too, thanks to the abundance of water in it.

> Yogurt smoothies with berries, not only keeps the stomach full and satisfied but the antioxidants found in berries helps prevent signs of early ageing and the water content in yogurt keeps the body hydrated.

We hope you now understand the importance of yogurt in your daily diet. Just one bowl a day with your salads or maybe as a delicious smoothie can help a long way!