A nutrient-packed snack that has a heap of health benefits when consumed! Read on to discover 3 health benefits of greek yoghurt.
Making Greek yoghurt involves adding an extra step to the normal yoghurt process so that excess water, lactose, and minerals drain out. Regular yoghurt is strained twice, so there is still some liquid left in the end product. Greek yoghurt is strained three times, so most of the liquid is removed. This is what gives Greek yoghurt its’ thicker consistency and stronger flavours compared to regular yoghurt. The acidity also makes it easier for your body to absorb other nutrients.
1. Friendly Bacteria That's Good For Your Gut
Greek yoghurt is packed with probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can help boost your immune system and decrease stomach issues. Without a healthy balance of good bacteria from probiotics, too much bad bacteria can build up and cause damage to our immune systems.
Greek yoghurt has a variety of nutrients and is generally considered one of the healthiest types of yoghurt you can buy. In every 100 grams of Greek yoghurt, you can find:
8 percent of the daily value (DV) for calcium
11 percent of the DV for phosphorus
18 percent of the DV for selenium
5 percent of the DV for zinc
21 percent of the DV for vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
7 percent of the DV for vitamin B5
31 percent of the DV for vitamin B12
In comparison to regular Greek yoghurt, low-fat Greek yoghurt is similar in nutritional value but has some variation. Obviously, the main difference is the lower fat content;
2. Protein-Packed Recovery
Greek yoghurt has 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of carbohydrates, none of which come from fibre. It also has 5 grams of fat, half of which come from saturated fat.
Protein is essential for good health. It is vital to cell growth, building muscle, and repairing tissue. As you age, you need more protein to keep your skin healthy and to fight off illness. Greek yoghurt is a great way to boost your protein levels while avoiding heavy foods like meats.
Greek yoghurt is rich in the amino acids which make up proteins, and proteins are the building blocks for regenerating muscle tissue and repairing fibre damage.
I recommend adding a banana or berries if you are consuming greek yoghurt as a post-workout meal.
3. Brain & Energy Buzzing B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce.
Vitamin B12 has many roles in your body. It supports the normal function of your nerve cells and is needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. For most adults, the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 2.4 mcg, though it’s higher for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Vitamin B12 may benefit your body in impressive ways, such as by boosting your energy, improving your memory and helping prevent heart disease.
As mentioned, 100g of greek yoghurt has 31 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12.
Closing Point
Greek yoghurt is a simple snack that has a heap of health benefits when consumed. I recommend adding a tub to your next shopping trip.
Personally, I consume it between lunch and dinner with a satsuma, honey and a small handful of berries.
Whether you choose full fat or low-fat variations, your gut will thank you!
↓↓ Share with me your favourite greek yoghurt recipes by commenting below! ↓↓