The Goodness in a Cup of Yogurt

Microorganisms are thought to cause harmful effects to the human body resulting to infections, diseases, and even disabilities. That is why the thought of ingesting something full of that is literally and figuratively hard to swallow. In the beginning of the 20^th century, a brilliant scientist suggested that it is possible to replace the harmful bacteria in the intestines to good bacteria. And as time passed by, more and more studies have discovered further health benefits in eating probiotics, such as yogurt. Nowadays, yogurt has become more and more popular and has practically taken over the other products found in the dairy section in supermarkets. Additionally, innovations in manufacturing yogurt have been observed; just as there are so many different kinds of iPad accessories, yogurt, too, has many varieties. Delectable flavors have been incorporated to the bacteria-enriched food to enhance its palatability. If you’re not a fan of yogurt now, probably you’ll be once you read its benefits listed below.

1.       It can give you a flat stomach. According to a study conducted in the University of Tennessee, people who cut back in their diets while eating yogurt lost 22% more weight and 81% more belly fat that those who skipped yogurt. Visceral fat, or fat found in your lower abdomen, is a trigger for cortisol to be secreted by your adrenal glands. Cortisol causes an even larger belly, which can lead to an abdomen as soft as a mobile silicone case. Make yogurt an adjunct to your diet to see more results.

2.       It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Not only that yogurt is rich in probiotics, it is also packed with a number of vitamins and minerals. One serving of yogurt contains potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, pantothenic acid, and cobalamin. Basically, yogurt is a complete food that can help meet your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the nutrients mentioned.

3.       It helps you recover faster after a strenuous workout. Proteins are needed to repair the different tissues of the body even after a workout session, and yogurt is of pure protein. Whenever you go for a workout, minute tears in your muscles occur that starts to manifest a day or two after your session. Yogurt is a perfect post-sweat-session snack because it provides the raw materials, amino acids, needed to relieve the soreness before it even starts to hurt.

4.       It may prevent high blood pressure. Sodium and potassium are electrolytes in the body that are indirectly proportional. Taking in more of one can cause the other to be flushed out of the body. And since sodium causes blood volume to increase resulting to high blood pressure, getting it out of the body by ingesting potassium-rich foods such as yogurt can do the trick to lower your blood pressure.

5.       It helps keep minor infections away. One study from the University of Vienna found out that digging in to four ounces of yogurt daily can render you sniffle-free in the months ahead. It has been proven that yogurt can increase the number and strengthen T cells, part of the immune system, which fights infections and illnesses.

6.       It can give you a big smile. Though yogurt contains an adequate amount of sugar, it doesn’t cause cavities. Scientists at Marmara University in Turkey found out that none of the varieties of yogurt, may they be infused with different fruit flavors, eroded the tooth enamel causing tooth decay. In fact, the lactic acid in yogurt seems to protect the gums as well. A daily serving of yogurt reduces the risk of acquiring severe periodontal diseases in the long run.

7.       It strengthens your bones. Most yogurts are made from low fat milk, which contain the micronutrients calcium and vitamin D that helps prevent osteoporosis. Yogurt can be used as a replacement to calcium supplements to provide stronger and denser bones. Plus, you get to have a smooth-flowing digestive tract since the probiotics in yogurt assist in the digestive process.

Make it a habit to have at least a serving of yogurt a day to muster all of its benefits. Aside from having it as it is, you can also use it as an ingredient in some dishes. All you have to do is do some research, and you can make your everyday meals probiolicious!