Why aren’t we eating more natural yoghurt?

Why aren’t we eating more natural yoghurt? This stuff has endless health and medicinal benefits as Fitness TV explains.

Yogurt is a complete protein made of fresh milk and curdled by bacteria and it is on a par with meat and eggs. Long considered a staple in our nutritional food chain this pre-digested protein contains high amounts of vitamin A, B and D. Yogurt contains twenty-two amino acids like all proteins. These proteins are broken down in our intestines by enzymes, and yogurt, being a pre-digested food, is an easy protein to absorb and assimilate for immediate utilization by the body.

It is most beneficial when used during the ingestion of antibiotics as yogurt stabilizes the destruction of friendly bacteria in the gut (Lactobacillus Acidophilus, for example). Even individuals whose digestive system cannot tolerate food or milk products (lactose intolerance) are often able to absorb cultured dairy products with little or no abdominal symptoms.

Natural yogurt has many health benefits, the two main ones being a) colon health and b) the proper functioning of the immune system.

a) Ingesting the acidophilus in yogurt helps repopulate the colon flora. Healthy colon flora provides a foundation for a healthy body and mind. Yogurt balances the PH levels in the stomach, providing better digestion and faster absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. It also helps eliminate harmful toxins through the colon. Acidophilus bacteria also protects the lining of the stomach and intestines by coating the surfaces and preventing the formation of ulcers.

b) With balanced digestion the immune system is able to effectively respond to bacteria and other invaders in the body. Whenever friendly bacteria is present the body has a better chance of protecting itself from pathogens, intestinal and external toxins.

Weight Control

Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the UK, with one in five adults now classed as obese.

Fears about weight gain are often cited as a reason to cut down on the consumption of milk and dairy products. However, contrary to popular belief, research has shown that people who consume milk and dairy foods are likely to be slimmer than those who do not.

Studies have also shown that consumption of milk and dairy foods as part of a calorie controlled diet is associated with increased weight loss, particularly from the abdomen.

This is particularly beneficial since excess fat around the trunk region of the body is associated with greater risks to health.

The precise mechanisms involved are unclear but studies suggest they are likely to involve calcium found in milk, yogurt and other dairy foods. The evidence also suggests that calcium from dairy sources has a substantially greater effect than calcium from supplements.

5 WAYS TO USE YOGURT AS A NUTRITIOUS SUBSTITUTE

Yogurt is one of the most versatile foods, especially for children who love dips and toppings. It can be used as a substitute for many high-fat foods. Here are some suggestions.

1.Use yogurt in place of mayonnaise. Non- fat, plain yogurt contains less than ten percent of the calories, less than one percent of the fat, and around three percent of the cholesterol of an equal amount of regular mayonnaise. Combining equal amounts of low-calorie mayonnaise and low fat yogurt works well for many dishes, including potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, tuna salad, dips, and appetizers.

2. A favourite with toddlers. Yogurt makes a tasty and nutritious dip for toddlers, who love to dip their exploring fingers into new foods. It is also a favourite topping for toddler foods and a time-honoured bait to entice toddlers to try new foods.

3. Try whole plain yogurt as a healthy alternative to sour cream. It is much lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol. If you're adding it to a sauce in place of sour cream, heat it over very low heat so it doesn't curdle. After a while, switch to low fat.

4. Try yogurt in baking recipes. Plain yogurt can often be substituted for milk, buttermilk, or sour cream in recipes for waffles, pancakes, and muffins.

5. Substitute yogurt for ice cream. Yogurt shakes and smoothies are a low-fat alternative to ice cream.

Mmmmmm..........