The multiple health benefits of yogurt have made it a popular product in ancient and modern times. The earliest evidence of yogurt dates back thousands of years. It’s no surprise that it is still one of the high-demand products in grocery stores. Technological advancements and innovations have led to the creation of various types of yogurt. From plain regular and thick Greek yogurt to dairy-free yogurt made of vegan milk, the increased demand for these products has increased the size of dairy farming and alternative milk industries. In this article, we’ll shed light on the benefits of yogurt and its potential side effects.
Key takeaway: There are numerous health benefits of yogurt and very few side effects. The main advantage of yogurt consumption is that it improves the digestive system. The main disadvantage is that some yogurt brands have a lot of sugar and additives which make the product not as healthy.
Health Benefits of Yogurt
Organic yogurt can reduce the symptoms of various conditions and help maintain good health. That’s why it’s no surprise that food service businesses often purchase wholesale yogurt and use it for various recipes. Let’s examine some of the main benefits of yogurt in regards to health.
- Yogurt is rich in protein and other nutrients such as calcium and potassium. The high calcium content makes it important for good bone health. In addition to minerals, yogurt is also an excellent source of protein which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s no surprise that whey protein is one of the most common types of supplements on the bodybuilding market.
- Live bacterial cultures in yogurt have probiotic properties. This means yogurt consumption helps the balance of gut microflora. For centuries, yogurt has been used as an organic cure for digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Yogurt can help people with lactose intolerance. In addition to improving gut health, probiotics in yogurt recipes and products also help with the absorption of nutrients. As the bacteria in yogurt break down lactose into lactic acid, people with lactose intolerance can use it to reduce the symptoms of their condition and gradually introduce lactose to their bodies.
- Weight management. As yogurt is rich in protein and contains very little carbohydrates, it is often an ingredient used in diets. It can also be consumed as a healthy snack and helps with satiety until your next meal.
Keep in mind that not all yogurt products traded by wholesale dairy distributors have the aforementioned health benefits. Sweetened yogurt has added sugar and can have a negative effect on weight. Furthermore, some products offered on the yogurt market don’t contain live bacteria. This means they don’t bring the same positive gut health effects compared to organic products.
Yogurt Side Effects
Although there are many benefits of yogurt consumption, there are reasons why you shouldn’t eat too much of it. Let’s examine some of the side effects of yogurt.
- Some yogurt products are not as healthy as others. Flavored products might have too much sugar and have a negative impact on weight in the long run. The same is true for drinkable yogurt that is often sweetened.
- Using yogurt on the face to treat acne or other conditions can lead to skin irritation. That’s because of the acidity of the product. In order to reduce the risk of this happening, try the yogurt on another part of your skin first. In 10-15 minutes, you’ll know if it’s safe to make a face mask with yogurt.
- Some yogurt brands can trigger heartburn. Although yogurt is believed to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, some varieties can actually aggravate the condition. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, make sure you don’t consume full-fat yogurt.
- Yogurt consumption can lead to bloating. This is more common with probiotic yogurt. The amount of live bacteria in these products can be too high for people with digestive problems. Thus, introducing high amounts of bacteria (even if it’s good bacteria) to your bowels might lead to bloating.
Healthiest Yogurt Options
There are dozens of yogurt varieties and brands available. The ones that should be avoided are flavored yogurt with a lot of additives. But let’s examine the healthiest yogurt options that can help you improve your digestive health and manage weight.
- Greek yogurt. Compared to regular yogurt, strained yogurt (also known as Greek yogurt) has more protein and is also high in calcium and probiotics. Its creamy texture makes it more suitable for various recipes. That makes it among the popular ingredients in the restaurant industry as well as the food and beverage industry. Greek yogurt is also often used by frozen yogurt businesses.
- Probiotic yogurt. This yogurt is very rich in beneficial bacteria. It can be used as a conservative treatment for people with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestion-related conditions.
- Plain yogurt. Although it’s not as rich in protein compared to Greek yogurt, regular yogurt is still a great option for a healthy breakfast or dessert.
- Skyr. This product is traditional in Icelandic cuisine. It’s made of skimmed milk and yeast that turns it into skyr instead of yogurt. It has the consistency of Greek yogurt but with a milder flavor.
- Kefir. Although kefir is not technically yogurt, it’s very similar in taste. Kefir is a drinkable dairy variety made with the help of kefir grains (a form of yeast). It has strong probiotic properties and is traditional in Eastern European countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefits of Yogurt
Whether you’re researching the health benefits of yogurt because you want to improve your health or you wish to use the product in your business, you might have various questions. BlueCart is a platform that has helped company owners advance their distribution businesses or buy wholesale products based on their needs. Below you can find some commonly asked questions about the benefits of yogurt.
Is It Good to Eat Yogurt Every Day?
Due to the many health benefits of yogurt, regular consumption of this dairy can have positive effects on the body. It will help the digestive system and gut health thanks to the live bacteria cultures in yogurt. Keep in mind that not all yogurt types are as healthy and beneficial as Greek and plain organic yogurt. For example, sweetened yogurt products or yogurt beverages with added sugar can have a negative effect on weight management. Additionally, non-dairy yogurt alternatives like coconut yogurt provide fewer minerals and nutrients like protein, calcium, and potassium. Furthermore, in order to have a texture similar to regular yogurt, products made from plant-based milk need other additives such as starch.
What Is the Best Time to Eat Yogurt?
Yogurt is primarily associated with breakfast food. That’s why it is best to eat yogurt in the morning. It is nutritious and will give you the energy and protein you need to start your day. One of the best choices is to mix it with different whole-grain breakfast options and fruits.
Although it is often considered to be primarily a breakfast option, the benefits of yogurt make it suitable for consumption throughout the whole day. You can eat yogurt as an afternoon snack. If you mix it with nuts or dried fruits, this will fill you till dinner and boost your energy. Yogurt is also a great option for a dessert. Combine it with fruits and grain products like oats.
Is Yogurt Good for the Skin?
Yes. Yogurt has been used as a skincare product for many years. As it is a natural product, it can cause far less irritation compared to manufactured cosmetics. Here are the main benefits of using yogurt as a skincare product.
- It moisturizes the skin;
- It can be used as an exfoliator for the face;
- Yogurt can protect the skin from UV rays;
- The probiotics in yogurt can help fight acne-causing bacteria;
- Yogurt has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the symptoms of various inflammatory skin conditions.
Business owners in the cosmetics industry have benefited from the positive effects of yogurt and it’s among the common ingredients for making face masks and other cosmetic products.