There’s no specific information that says where yogurt originates from. However, there are theories that suggest that it came about in Eastern Europe, 4,500 years ago.
Today, we can find a huge list of brands and varieties of yogurts, such as greek yogurt. Thanks to its nutritional value, yogurt has become very important.
Among its nutrients we find:
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Minerals
These allow a better absorption of food, because they help intestinal transit.
But what is Greek yogurt? It has a color somewhere between white and cream, with a smooth texture and a peculiar acid flavor, like a mixture between cream and cottage cheese.
Greek yogurt has a high protein content that makes us feel fuller.
It’s the result of putting normal yogurt under pressure until the moisture content is removed. With this the liquid serum is extracted, and for that reason the consistency is thicker and contains less sugar.
Benefits of Greek yogurt
1. Suitable for people with a lactose intolerance
Greek yogurt has a low level of lactose compared to other dairy products.
The reason? The fermentation process maintains live and active cultures that are responsible for converting lactose into lactic acid, which is much easier to absorb.
However, it’s important to consider individual lactose intolerance, as there are people who can suffer side effects.
2. Improves digestion
Greek yogurt is very easy to digest because it contains less carbohydrates than normal yogurt.
It also contains probiotics and healthy bacteria that help to remove residues of food that stick to the intestinal walls.
3. Source of calcium
Like other dairy products, Greek yogurt also provides the body with calcium.
This way it helps to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and other bone problems, since it strengthens bones and allows them to better absorb nutrients.
Meanwhile, calcium regulates the nervous and muscular system. Therefore, when there is a calcium deficiency we experience cramps or numbness in the fingers, as well as cardiac irregularities.
4. Aids Weight loss
Generally, Greek yogurt is lower in fat than normal yogurt, as well as providing large amounts of protein.
Therefore, this yogurt has less sugar and fewer calories.
Not to mention that the protein makes us feel fuller for longer, stopping you from eating high carbohydrate snacks.
Eating Greek yogurt increases the amount of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections.
Probiotics also help, since live cultures improve the friendly bacteria found in the intestine, preventing other harmful bacteria from thriving and forming pathogenic germs.
5. Reduces cholesterol levels
Greek yogurt works as a natural treatment for fighting cholesterol.
It contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus, friendly bacteria that acts against the internal synthesis of bad cholesterol (LDL).
These bacteria reduce substances that pass through the bloodstream. This way, when they reach the liver, the same amount of cholesterol is no longer formed.
Greek or normal yogurt?
Next time you choose a yogurt for your pantry, consider the benefits of Greek yogurt:
- It contains more protein, more than 6 grams per 100 grams. That’s twice as much as a normal yogurt.
- It comes from the milk serum, reducing lactose and, therefore, containing less carbohydrates and sugar.
- It’s ideal to add to your dishes and replace other more caloric ingredients because it doesn’t curdle when subjected to high temperatures.
- Greek yogurt is naturally low in lactose.
- It’s considered a vegetarian product, unless you add gelatin (animal collagen).
Actually, both types of yogurt are good for the body. However, we recommend that you use the most organic yogurt, where it hasn’t been through a preservation process or contain flavoring or coloring.
We should also underline that a serving of 220 g of yogurt provides 25% more calcium than a glass of milk.
Via: HealthLine
