Greek yogurt is a protein-rich thick, creamy, and slightly sour dairy product. It is relatively denser than regular yogurt. This is because Greek yogurt is obtained by straining in order to remove excess whey, resulting in a thicker consistency while preserving yogurt’s particular sour taste.
Due to this additional step of straining, Compared to its counterparts, Greek yogurt is higher in solid carbs. This type of yogurt is a low-lactose, fermented product. It is an ideal choice for people who are lactose intolerant or have sensitivities to dairy products. It is also low in carbs which makes it suitable for a well-formulated keto diet.
In addition to that, it is an excellent source of minerals and protein and is typically much lower in sugar than traditional yogurt. However, though Greek yogurt is considered low in carbs, you should check the serving size and nutrition labels before purchasing it.
Tips for Choosing the Best Greek Yogurt
When you visit the supermarket, there are plenty of options for Greek yogurts on grocery aisles that can confuse you. However, always look for the type of yogurt that contains 5 grams or more of protein per serving. Moreover, pick the type of Greek yogurt that has a pleasant taste and one that you look forward to eating.
Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt
Eating Greek yogurt on a daily basis can impart multiple health benefits. All thanks to the nutrients it contains, including:
- Calcium
- Protein
- Probiotics
- Iodine
- Vitamin B-12
The potential benefits of Greek yogurt are:
- Greek Yogurt Contains More Protein than Simple Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains twice as much protein and about half the amount of carbs as traditional yogurt. Therefore, people can increase their protein intake by swapping regular yogurt with Greek yogurt. However, everyone’s particular protein requirements vary.
- It Supports Healthy Digestion
Greek yogurt is probiotic and produced with live bacterial cultures. These bacteria can help support gut health and benefit your digestive system. In this way, regularly consuming Greek yogurt can improve your body’s ability to digest different food items.
- It Can Boost Your Immune System
This well-fermented yogurt is an excellent iodine source, supporting thyroid function and a strong immune system. It is also rich in essential vitamins: Vitamin A and Vitamin B12.
Greek yogurt helps increase the diversity of gut microbes, reducing inflammation and minimizing the chances of several diseases.
- Greek Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
Greek yogurt is also capable of controlling high blood pressure levels. This is because it comprises a wide range of micronutrients, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are essential in the regulation of blood pressure.
- Encourages Good Mental Health
A study has shown that this probiotic yogurt is also beneficial for a person’s mental health and cognitive abilities.
Greek yogurt helps convert stress hormones in the brain into feel-good hormones. The gut microbiome also plays a significant role in mental health. The probiotics found in this yogurt increase the production of good gut bacteria in the body, thereby releasing stress.
This happens due to the interconnectedness of the gut and brain. The gut can transfer certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, to the brain, enabling a person to feel good.
- May Support Weight Loss
Research has also demonstrated that Greek yogurt is good for weight loss. Its probiotics boost the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, which plays an effective role in fat distribution, weight management, and fat metabolism.
Moreover, it is an excellent protein source. High protein intake leads to prolonged feelings of fullness, which may lessen your food consumption levels. As a result, this will certainly help promote weight loss.
Nutritional Facts of Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a protein-rich dairy product consisting of nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium.
- Carbs
On average, one container of plain Greek yogurt (156 grams) has almost 5 grams of carbohydrates and up to 5 to 5.6 grams of sugar.
- Fats
It is low in fats. A 156-gram of Greek yogurt serving has less than 1 gram of fat.
- Protein
Greek yogurt contains 16 grams of protein per container, making it an amazing source to fulfill your protein intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals
Greek yogurt is full of essential minerals and vitamins. A single serving of this yogurt (156g) comprises 136 mg of phosphorus, 10.7 mg of magnesium, 141 mg of potassium, and 111 mg of calcium.
- Calories
One container of plain Greek yogurt normally contains 92 to 95 calories.
FAQs:
Is It Beneficial For You To Eat Greek Yogurt Every Day?
Consuming Greek yogurt every day can exert various health benefits on your body while helping you to maintain your weight. One to two servings of Greek yogurt also help decrease sugar and caffeine cravings. This, eventually, helps with weight management and improves your heart health. In addition to that, it also minimizes the risk of diabetes and other age-related cognitive disorders.
How is Greek Yogurt Different from Traditional Yogurt?
Greek yogurt and traditional yogurt are not fundamentally different in their composition. Both are obtained from milk that’s been fermented and cultured. Greek yogurt is, however, different in consistency from its counterpart. This is because, during the manufacturing process, Greek yogurt is further strained in order to drain the excess whey.
This results in a thicker yogurt with less moisture. In addition to that, Greek yogurt is also high in proteins and minerals as compared to traditional yogurt.
Is it good to Eat Greek Yogurt on an Empty Stomach?
The best way to consume Greek yogurt is on an empty stomach in the morning. In this way, its probiotics can reach the large intestine alive in order to maintain digestive health.
You can eat this dairy probiotic as a healthy breakfast as well. People usually mix Greek yogurt with fruit and grains, which offer a great fiber makeup enough to acquire its maximum benefits. It can also be eaten as a healthy bowl of dessert by combining it with fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas.
