Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt
Learn why Greek yogurt should be part of your anti-aging diet
Greek yogurt has been taking the American market by storm over the past few years. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to consider incorporating this healthy and nutritious food into your diet. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of:
Protein: Protein is one of the essential building blocks of a healthy body. It is needed for healthy bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, hair, and blood. As you age, your daily protein requirement increases, and you may be looking for alternative protein sources besides meat. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, containing more protein per serving than other dairy products like milk and regular yogurt. Depending on the brand, 1 cup of Greek yogurt may contain 12 to 19 grams of protein.
Probiotics: Having plenty of “good” bacteria in your gut is very important not only for digestion, but for your overall health. “Good” bacteria help keep “bad” bacteria in check, preventing inflammation and keeping your immune system strong. Probiotic foods like Greek yogurt can help replenish populations of “good” bacteria.
Calcium: Like all dairy products, Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium. It contains about 18 percent of your daily recommended value. Calcium becomes more and more important as you age, because it is required to help maintain bone strength and fight osteoporosis.
B Vitamins: A serving of Greek yogurt contains almost 28 percent of your daily B2 and 21 percent of your daily B12, plus smaller amounts of vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6. While all B vitamins are important, B12 is especially vital. It plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, brain function, and DNA synthesis.
Potassium: The potassium content of Greek yogurt can help support healthy blood pressure. If you eat a lot of sodium, it is especially important to get a lot of potassium to help flush sodium from your body.
Iodine: Iodine deficiency is a very common problem for Americans today. Without enough iodine, thyroid function can be compromised, resulting in metabolism problems. Eating more food with iodine can help increase thyroid activity and promote weight loss.
Acidity: The same acidity that gives Greek yogurt its tart taste also makes it easier for your body to absorb other nutrients.
How to Choose the Best Greek Yogurt
When shopping for Greek yogurt, you need to check the labels carefully. There is no federal standard for this product in the US, meaning all kinds of products can be called “Greek yogurt” without necessarily having the protein content and other nutritional benefits you really want.
Look for a product that is plain, unsweetened, low in fat, and high in protein. This will give you the best nutrition for the calories. You can add other foods such as berries or granola to add flavor to your yogurt without the empty calories of added sugar.
Need Help with Your Nutrition?
Even with superfoods like Greek yogurt, it can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from your diet alone. Contact us at 800-859-7511 to learn more about nutritional supplements and injectable nutrients to promote better aging.
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