The Health Benefits Of Eating Yogurt

Recorded history reports that Genghis Khan, the feared warrior and founder of the Mongol Empire, ate yogurt as a staple in his diet. This fermented milk product may go back as far as the Neolithic age.

The health benefits of eating yogurt include strong bones, increased energy, and help with gut health. The live cultures found in high-quality yogurt promote a healthy flora in your digestive system which helps combat illness and disease. Another added benefit? Yogurt is delicious!

As a matter of fact, yogurt is the most-consumed gut-friendly food product worldwide. Here is a short list of the direct benefits of eating yogurt:

• Healthy blood pressure
• High metabolic profiles
• Strong bones including teeth

If you go to any grocery store, you will be overwhelmed by the type and amount of yogurt available. Marketing yogurt is a multi-billion dollar business, and business is good. How do you sort through the unlimited choices and choose a yogurt that is right for you?

Follow these doctor-recommended steps to find a yogurt product that has the maximum benefits…

Choose Your Milk- Yogurt can be made from any milk that comes from an animal. Sheep, goat, and cow’s milk are all used to make yogurt. Yogurt can also be made from plant-based foods. Coconut, almond, or rice milks are also used to make yogurt.

Choose Your Fat Content- The fat content of your yogurt is important. Just as you should choose low-fat varieties of milk, you should also choose lower fat content in your yogurt.

Ditch the Sugar- While yogurt is one of the healthiest foods you can choose for your health, it is oftentimes morphed into something bad for you when colors, sugars and artificial flavors are added. Avoid colors, sugars and flavorings where you can. Opt for all natural, plain, low-fat yogurt and add fresh fruit and natural sweeteners like honey to make your yogurt even better.

Look Live Cultures- Yogurt that has live cultures is a good choice for digestive health. The bacteria in the yogurt counteract the bad bacteria that can cause candida or yeast issues. Consuming yogurt with live cultures is an effortless way to increase your health and have a treat at the same time. Look for packaging that states your yogurt contains live cultures when shopping.

Yogurt has been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. Today we can experience the benefits of yogurt on the go, in our homes or at your local restaurant. Here are some ways to enjoy yogurt the next time you want a treat!

• Have yogurt and berries alongside granola for a tasty, energy-filled breakfast.
• Add yogurt to your smoothies.
• Ask for yogurt as s side dish at your favorite restaurant and use it in place of sour cream.
• Use yogurt instead of mayonnaise when making homemade salad dressings.
• Freeze yogurt in silicone popsicle molds for a cool treat on a hot day.

There is no doubt that we can contribute to our own health by choosing foods wisely. Yogurt is a wise choice when you are armed with the knowledge about how to choose it. Explore the options!