Yogurt is a fantastic food that can offer incredible health benefits if it is incorporated responsibly into one’s diet. This ancient dairy product was probably first discovered accidently by storing milk for extended periods of time in warm climates. Since then it has found itself as a popular food in many cultures around the globe, primarily for its flavor, versatility and nutritional value. Yogurt is perhaps the most beneficial dairy product one can include in their diet, and we will be going over its numerous health benefits in this post.
Our modern day fixation with hygiene has bred us into a society of germophobes that obsess over anti-bacterial products. This newfound mysophobia has caused most individuals to forget that there are some very beneficial bacteria which can help the human body function. Yogurt is unique amongst other foods in this regard because of its incredible probiotic support. The process of fermentation allows it to develop colonizing microbes, which when consumed aid the human body in keeping its digestive system healthy. While all food has some bacteria in it, yogurt is noted for being rich in a particularly beneficial type which humans are unable to produce on their own.
This wonderful dairy product has also been noted by researchers in recent years to reduce the chance of developing diabetes type 2. Typically, individuals who saw the greatest effect consumed around 6 ounces of yogurt per day. That being said, even as much as 3 ounces daily has shown to produce the same sort of benefits. The reason for this is most likely due to the potent probiotic support offered by many dairy products, which by helping our digestion also in turn aids us in managing the body’s blood-sugar levels.
Yogurt is also high in protein content, especially the Greek variety which means that it will leave one feeling fuller after consumption. It also contains high amounts of CLA, an important acid which has been suggested to decrease the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Natural fats found in dairy products are thought to have an interesting interaction with cholesterol, in that they decrease its overall levels in our body while promoting the good variety of it, HDL. Finally, consuming yogurt daily along with regular exercise can prevent bone fractures from occurring, which is especially important for women and the elderly who are at higher risk for this.
