Making yogurt involves fermenting milk with live cultures of beneficial bacteria.
Strained Greek yogurt is lower in sugar than regular yogurt. Removing the whey produces a thicker, creamier yogurt with a tart taste.
Some manufacturers add thickening agents to regular yogurt, and market it as “Greek-style” yogurt, which may not share the same health benefits as Greek yogurt.
Also, low or no-fat Greek yogurt may not share the same health benefits as traditional Greek yogurt.
In this article, learn about eight potential health benefits of Greek yogurt, as well as how to incorporate it into a balanced diet.
8 health benefits of Greek yogurt
Eating Greek yogurt may be good for health thanks to the nutrients it contains, including:
- calcium
- protein
- probiotics
- iodine
- vitamin B-12
The potential health benefits of Greek yogurt include:
1. Improving bone health
Eating Greek yogurt may improve bone health, as it is rich in calcium and protein.
Calcium promotes bone health and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease. Consuming enough protein is also vital for bone health.
2. Reducing appetite and hunger
Greek yogurt is protein-rich, so it may help people feel fuller for longer. Research suggests that people may eat less throughout the day after a meal that is high in protein.
A further study found that increasing dietary protein lead people to consume fewer calories overall, which contributed to greater weight loss.
Greek yogurt contains probiotics. These are good bacteria that may restore a healthy bacterial balance within the gut.
But recent research raises questions about these benefits. It is possible that not everyone responds to probiotics in the same way.
A 2018 study suggests that some people’s guts are resistant to the benefits of probiotics while others are more receptive.
There are many ways to enjoy Greek yogurt, including:
- as a breakfast or dessert bowl with banana and blueberries
- as a topping for chili instead of sour cream
- as a topping for soups instead of cream
- as a spread on crackers or bread instead of butter
- as an addition to a pasta sauce for extra creaminess
Summary
Strained Greek yogurt made in a traditional way may be beneficial for a person’s health.
Many of the potential health benefits of Greek yogurt relate to its high protein content. A protein-rich diet may help reduce hunger, boost metabolism, and build muscle.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which can help improve bone health. It also contains probiotics, which support a healthy bacterial balance in the gut.
Eating Greek yogurt may be associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
People can enjoy Greek yogurt as part of a healthful, balanced diet.
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