Is yogurt good for you? There are conflicting reports on whether or not yogurt is beneficial for health. Some say yes, and some say no.
Yogurt has long been considered a healthy food because it contains probiotics and live bacteria that promote digestive health. The benefits of yogurt nutrition include improved digestion, increased immunity, and reduced risk of certain cancers.
Yogurt is a fermented milk product that comes from milk that has been cultured with lactic acid-producing bacteria. It is often consumed plain but can also be flavored with fruit, honey, nuts, seeds, or other ingredients.
The question is: Does yogurt have any adverse effects on your body? Let’s find out!
What Are the Benefits of Eating Yogurt?
1) Improves Digestion
One of the main reasons why people eat yogurt is to improve their digestion. Yogurt is high in protein, which helps break down foods so the stomach can more easily digest them. Eating yogurt will help you feel full longer while reducing bloating and gas.
2) Boosts Immunity
Another benefit of yogurt is its ability to boost your immune system. Probiotic bacteria found in yogurt may increase resistance to infections. In addition, research shows that consuming yogurt regularly may reduce the risk of allergies.
3) Lowers Cancer Risk
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that women who ate one serving per day of low-fat dairy products had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not. Other studies show similar results when it comes to prostate cancer.
4) Helps Prevent Cavities
Cultured dairy products like yogurt contain live cultures that inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria. It makes them an effective way to prevent tooth decay.
5) Promotes Weight Loss
Eating yogurt daily may help you lose weight. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that overweight adults who ate yogurt thrice a week lost more weight than those who didn’t.
6) May Improve Bone Health
Research suggests that calcium-rich foods such as yogurt may protect bones. Calcium helps build strong teeth and bones, and eating yogurt provides about 20% of the recommended amount of calcium each day.
7) May Lower Cholesterol Levels
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who consume yogurt daily tend to have lower cholesterol levels than those who don’t.
8) Helps Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders
There is evidence that yogurt may relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. IBS occurs when the intestine muscles do not work correctly and cause cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
9) Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are nutrients that neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
10) May Help You Sleep Better
Some studies suggest that drinking yogurt before bedtime may improve sleep quality. This is because probiotics in yogurt promote healthy gut flora, which reduces stress hormones in the brain.
Side Effects of Yogurt
But, yogurt also comes with its share of troubles and side effects. Some of the possible side-effects of eating yogurt can be:
Yogurt may cause bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort after eating. It is due to lactose intolerance that these people have that cause bloating and other digestive problems.
Another possible side effect can be weight gain. While Yogurt is proven to aid weight loss, eating an excess of yogurt can have opposite effects. Too much yogurt has higher carbs and calories, leading to weight gain.
Conclusion
Yogurt has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. There are many benefits of yogurt, but there are also risks involved. So, knowing what kind of yogurt is best for us is essential. The best type of yogurt is a fermented product made from raw milk containing live active cultures. These cultures are beneficial for our health, especially for our gastrointestinal system.