These minerals are a must for various biological processes, such as regulating blood pressure, metabolism, improving bone health and also aid in weight management....
health
Considering the benefits of eating yogurt, from regulating bowel movements and promoting a healthy gut to fighting infections, you should incorporate this super food into your diet each day!
Especially, since our lifestyles have gotten stationary over the past couple of years – particularly during the pandemic – it’s essential that we care for our diet. Yogurt provides various important nutrients that our body needs like calcium, B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and riboflavin, both of which may protect against heart disease and is also good for expecting mothers to protect against some neural tube birth defects. One cup of yogurt provides for as much as 38 per cent of our daily requirements for phosphorus, 12 per cent for magnesium and 18 per cent for potassium. These minerals are a must for various biological processes, such as regulating blood pressure, metabolism, improving bone health and also aid in weight management.
However, it is worth mentioning here that it is mainly the plain and unsweetened yogurt without added colorants in shape of sugar or other ingredients which is beneficial for health. Yogurt that contains added ingredients, such as sugar and artificial flavours is not good for you. Many types of labelled yogurts also contain high amounts of added sugar, which may contribute to certain health conditions.
With the lactic acid it includes, yogurt stands out among other foods. Lactic acid turns inner bowel environment into acid and prevents the production of cancerous cells by lowering the pH of the environment while facilitating the production of immune system booster metabolites. Basically, yogurt is the perfect immune system booster. The lactic acid bacteria in yogurt have important effects in preventing cancer, infections, gastrointestinal diseases and asthma. Regular consumption of daily and fresh yogurt increases the positive effects of yogurt.
Especially for women, you might want to consider yogurt the next time you are given a prescription for antibiotics for a yeast infection (using antibiotics usually raises the chances of yeast infections). Studies reveal that women who regularly consume yogurt have better vaginal health. Yogurt’s active cultures can help balance pH levels and prevent the painfully uncomfortable yeast infection from starting.
Allergic reactions are triggered by IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and it reveals itself on the skin. Yogurt prevents atopic diseases such as dermatitis, asthma and food allergies. As it balances the intestinal flora, yogurt minimises the allergic reactions.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a bacterium which accelerates bowel movement and cannot be found in any food other than yogurt. The lactic acid in the yogurt kills the malicious bacteria in the bowel, preventing diarrhoea and helps to create a healthy inner bowel environment. In other words, we can say that this fermented dairy product is a bowel cleanser. Yogurt increases calcium absorption after being consumed and stimulates the saturation hormone in the bowels as it features high quality animal fat and protein.
Yogurt is rich in vitamins and minerals that play a key role in bone health. Consuming it regularly may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Individuals with osteoporosis have low bone density and are at a higher risk of bone fractures. However, research shows that consuming at least three servings of dairy foods, such as yogurt, on a daily basis may help preserve bone mass and strength. Women who consume just one serving of dairy foods, such as yogurt, on a daily basis may help preserve bone mass and strength even after 40s and 50s. Moreover, yogurt also helps to keep your teeth healthy. Although it contains sugar, it has no harmful effect on enamel. The lactic acid is thought to even have a positive effect in protecting gums and teeth from future damage.
Over two-thirds of us eat more than twice the recommended amount of salt, which causes high blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, kidney, and heart disease, but potassium can flush out some of that excess sodium from your body. A recent study was conducted over the course of 15 years with over 2000 participants. The study showed that 30 per cent of volunteers who had at least 2 per cent or more of their calories from yogurt were less likely to develop high blood pressure. A serving of yogurt has tons of it: at almost 600 milligrams per eight ounces, it actually contains more potassium than an extra-large banana, which has around 544 mg.
Yogurt has several key ingredients that may help with weight management, the foremost being protein which reduces the appetite hormones. The proteins in the yogurt work along with calcium to increase levels of appetite-reducing hormones. Furthermore, several studies have found that individuals who consume yogurt on regular basis have lower body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference. Other studies have found that those who eat yogurt tend to eat better overall, compared to those who do not eat it. This is partly since yogurt is very filling and protects you from strong pangs of hunger, making it the best snack for your weight loss regime. Moreover, the carbohydrates in yogurt can either help to fuel you through your workout or replace energy that is lost. The potassium and sodium can also help to replace those electrolytes you sweat out during a strenuous workout.
