Yogurt offers many health benefits, adding essential nutrients to our
diet. However, in order to take full advantage of these benefits, you should
know how to choose the right yogurt, as well as when is the best time of day to
consume it.
The health benefits of yogurt
The beneficial bacteria of yogurt are not only good for digestive system,
but its composition also prevents cardiovascular diseases, acting as a
beneficial antioxidant for the body. In addition, it is an excellent dietary
supplement for problems such as constipation, diarrhea and inflammatory bowel
disease.
Yogurt and other dairy products can also help maintain weight because
they increase levels of hormones that promote satiety. Full-fat yogurt contains
conjugated linoleic acid, a nutrient that helps to reduce body fats and breast
cancer risk.
In addition, there are certain species that are good sources of
probiotics, which help maintain gut health. At the same time, consumption of
yogurt with other healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables has been shown to
increase the immune response in the digestion process, thus reducing the risk
of diabetes.
Due to all the above advantages, it is not difficult to understand why
yogurt is an integral part of a healthy diet.
When is the best time to eat yogurt?
To get the most out of yogurt's benefits, nutrition experts recommend
consuming it in the morning or on an empty stomach. This is because the good
bacteria or probiotics it contains must reach the large intestine alive to
maintain their effectiveness. Something that cannot happen if you eat yogurt
after a meal. Eating yogurt for breakfast is a very good choice for people who
want to lose weight, as it provides the necessary energy that the body needs,
increasing the feeling of fullness. So, you are less likely to consume
unnecessary calories during the day.
In fact, on an empty stomach, the amount of acid is not as great as when food has entered the stomach. A fact that further enhances the effectiveness and activity of yogurt bacteria to maintain the health of the digestive system. However, consuming it on an empty stomach is not recommended for those with stomach problems. For example, people with chronic gastritis should rest for at least an hour after a full meal before eating yogurt.
What to choose
Yogurt is generally a healthy product. However, many ingredients added
during its processing can affect its benefits. So, choosing the right product
is also something to be aware of. So, prefer options with low fat, with a
moderate amount of protein and without sugar.
5 reasons, you should eat yogurt every day.
Rich in nutrients like protein, calcium and probiotics, yogurt has long
been linked to bone and gut health, as well as weight management.
But do you know other possible benefits of daily yogurt consumption?
Just keep reading.
You will strengthen your body with proteins.
Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, can be an excellent source of protein,
with low levels of sugar and fat. Because protein can help you feel full by
reducing hunger hormones and minimizing cravings, a high-protein food like
yogurt can be an ideal addition to your daily diet.
Yogurt helps you keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
According to research yogurt is best for heart and can help to lower blood pressure. A scientific study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that higher consumption of dairy products, especially yogurt, was associated with fewer cases of high blood pressure in adults. Another study found that higher protein intake may also be associated with lower blood pressure levels. Another way yogurt can help.
Cholesterol may also be reduced
Along with lowering blood pressure, yogurt can also help your heart by
helping manage blood cholesterol levels. A study published in the Journal of
Dairy Sciences looked at the effects of yogurt on participants with type 2
diabetes. The researchers found that daily yogurt consumption was associated
with lower LDL and total cholesterol.
You will increase your calcium intake.
In addition to protein, a useful nutrient that yogurt can provide to
your body is calcium, which is essential for functions related to muscles,
nerves, blood vessels, and bones. Bones contain a lot of calcium, and when you
don't get enough calcium through food, your body actually starts pulling
calcium from them. This is why eating foods rich in calcium is so important.
If you eat yogurt every day you strengthen your digestive system.
Normally the word "bacteria" automatically trigger negative associations,
there are also "good" bacteria that are essential to digestive
system. One way to increase the levels of these good bacteria is to eat
probiotics: Live microorganisms found in certain foods, such as yogurt.
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome promotes bowel regularity, reduces bloating and general gastrointestinal discomfort, and alleviates symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS.
Unfortunately, not all are rich in probiotics. Experts recommend yogurts that show on their label that they contain live and active cultures of good bacteria. Apart from that, as long as you choose a product that does not contain added sugar, yogurt can definitely be an extremely healthy part of your daily diet.