Yogurt Health Benefits And Nutrition

There are many health benefits of yogurt and should be considered for including in the diet. It would also be a great benefit to children if you get them acclimatized to the taste quite early. The many benefits of yogurt include regulating of the digestive tract and preventing osteoporosis.

History of making yogurt

It is believed that this dairy product has been around since 8000 – 9000 BC and considered one of the oldest dairy by-products in the world. In ancient history yogurt was made from the milk of animals such as horses, cows, buffaloes, goats, camels and the actual discovery was purely by accident.

Yogurt benefits were also discovered by ancient people, as Genghis Khan encouraged his people to consume it. Warriors discovered that consuming horse yogurt greatly improved their health so they consumed quite a lot while in the battle field.

The actual discovery of yogurt happened when the people stored milk in warm temperatures and discovered that the milk came out this way. Instead of throwing it out they liked the taste and also realized that when consumed their health improved. So since the beginning of time people have been consuming yogurt for health and wellness.

How yogurt is processed

Yogurt is a dairy product made from the fermentation of milk through a bacterial process. The lactose or milk sugar is fermented by this bacteria known as yogurt cultures, to form lactic acid. Lactic acid works alongside the milk protein to give yogurt its characteristic texture and taste.

The nutrients and enzymes will determine yogurt benefits.

• Calcium is one of the nutrients found in yogurt and it is a fact that this mineral plays a very important role on the development and strengthening of bones and teeth. Adequate amount of calcium on a daily basis can in fact reverse or prevent osteoporosis. Having yogurt for health of bones and teeth is a great choice.

• Protein, another yogurt benefit. The daily consumption of protein is vital to our health as this nutrient is essential for building and repairing body tissue. Protein also plays an important role in brain function. One of the first nutrients needed from birth for proper development.

• Potassium is another important mineral contained in yogurt. Potassium aids in balancing of sodium levels in the blood thus assisting in the lowering of blood pressure. Potassium is also needed for muscular strength and to balance water levels.

• Vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B12. B2 is a water soluble vitamin that is essential in helping the body convert food into fuel and also important in the metabolizing of proteins and fats. Riboflavin is good for hair, nails, skin and good liver function. Vitamin B12 also assist in metabolism, helps to make read blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system.

• Probiotics. Maybe the thing that yogurt is most known for are these microorganisms or good bacteria found in yogurt that is known to improve overall health. Our bodies contain approximately 500 different types of bacteria, some good and some are bad. Probiotics are these good bacteria that fight off the bad ones to help keep our digestive system in tact. They work on the intestinal tract to keep the walls of the intestines healthy. You cannot have too much good bacteria so having daily doses of yogurt can improve your health.

The Greek Yogurt: It is believed that the healthiest yogurt is the Greek yogurt but maybe not so. Even though Greek yogurt has more protein than other yogurts it has less calcium. The process used to make the Greek yogurt breaks down the calcium and makes it less nutritious.

Dannon plain non fat: Sometimes when you buy this yogurt there is a watery settlement at the top. This is whey protein and it is good for you. It has essential amino acids that builds and repair body tissue so stir this into the yogurt for a more nutritious snack.

There are so many health benefits of yogurt and it's beneficial to all of the family. It has become very popular as people are now beginning to realize yogurt's health benefits. This dairy product comes in fat free, low fat, unsweetened or sweetened, even frozen with a texture similar to ice cream. Add yogurt to your daily diet and you will be healthier as a result.