Greek yogurt is a specialty enjoyed in the Mediterranean region. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to be Greek to enjoy the benefits of Greek yogurt! Its thick and creamy texture offers distinctive taste and is appealing to everyone.
It is also quite low in sodium and gained popularity in recent times thanks to its innumerable health benefits. Furthermore, Greek yogurt is also great for people who are lactose intolerant as it is easy to digest due to the bacterial breakdown of sugar in the milk.
So if you are someone who is planning to add Greek Yogurt to your diet, then have a look at some of the health benefits of eating Greek yogurt:
Top 10 Benefits of Eating Greek Yogurt
1. Aids digestion
Thanks to the probiotics and essential microorganisms found in Greek yogurt, it is the one of the best foods to keep your gut bacteria balanced. Daily consumption of Greek yogurt keeps your stomach and digestive system healthy. Greek yogurt is also a powerful remedy to treat stomach disorders like diarrhoea, constipation as well as IBS. It also helps treat gut problems like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
2. Helps to lose weight
This might surprise you, but eating Greek yogurt can actually help you lose weight. It is not only lower in calories, but also acts as a great appetite suppressant. The high protein content in Greek yogurt keeps you fuller for longer. It also contains a huge amount of protein and has a thermic effect that helps you burn body fat fast and effectively.
3. Good for feminine health
When there is an imbalance of good bacteria in your vagina, it leads to yeast infection and can cause a reason of distress among women. But Greek yogurt, being rich in helpful bacteria, maintains the perfect balance of vaginal bacteria and is a handy remedy to treat yeast infection.
4. Regulates blood pressure level
Blood pressure is one such problem that is affecting millions of people worldwide. Luckily, Greek yogurt is a perfect food that can help you keep your blood pressure in control. Low in sodium, it is a great remedy that balances electrolyte concentration and maintains blood pressure with its rich magnesium, potassium and calcium content.
5. Improve bone density
Greek yogurt comes packed with magnesium, calcium, Vitamin D and phosphorus; making it a wonderful bone-building food. It is also a great alternative for all those people who dislike milk but are looking for alternatives to boost their bone density. As you know, our bones become weaker as we age, so it is really important to give them the right supply of nutrients. This is when Greek yogurt comes into play. It strengthens your bones and also helps in treating Osteoporosis.
6. Boosts Immunity
As Greek yogurt is a good source of immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins, it is a splendid metabolism booster, which, in turn, provides you with improved immunity. Eating Greek yogurt on a regular basis also provides your body with an adequate amount of fibrous carbohydrates, protein, as well as healthy fats that promote weight loss and helps you get a better metabolism. The probiotics in Greek yogurt also prevent the invasion of pathogens by fighting off white blood cells.
7. Promotes blood building
We all believe that we need only iron to build blood in the body, but that’s not completely true. Other than iron, vitamin B-12 is another vital ingredient required to increase blood count, which can be found in Greek yogurt.
8. Supports muscle growth
Protein is a vital ingredient for a muscle growth and maintenance. Greek yogurt is packed with a considerable amount of protein, which makes it an excellent choice for muscle building among individuals. It can be easily consumed anytime after or before a workout.
9. Perfect for oral health
Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium and does wonders for your oral health. Surprisingly the probiotics found in Greek yogurt are also great for your gum health. Consumption of this yogurt also decreases the development of canker sores and helps them to heal faster. As it is low in sugar levels, Greek yogurt also prevents your teeth from plaque, cavities and decay.
10. Reduces cortisol level
Another surprising benefit of eating Greek yogurt is that it reduces cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, created by stress, can cause unpleasant side effects like weight gain, lowered immunity and high blood pressure. Due to its rich calcium and other mineral contents, it works effectively in alleviating stress, prevents fat accumulation and also balances the blood pressure level in the body.
The sweetened flavour and thick texture of Greek yogurt will never fail to win your heart (and taste buds). The best thing about this yogurt is that it can easily be used in smoothies and soups. Now that you know the immense benefits of eating Greek yogurt regularly, have a look at some of these serving suggestions:
Serving Suggestions to Enjoy the Benefits of Eating Greek Yogurt Regularly:
- Replace milk with Greek yogurt with your cereal or granola at breakfast. Crunchy, with a side of good health!
- Bulk up your smoothies with a dollop Greek yogurt. That’s the secret to smoother smoothies!
- Make a sauce for your grilled salmon by mixing Greek yogurt, olives, salt and lemon juice together. Lip smacking good!
- Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey makes for a decadent dessert!
Nicole Brun says
Just wondering if Greek yogurt has to be plain or Caan it be flavored, i.e., vanilla flavorer