12 Health Benefits of Eating Yogurt Daily

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk using one or more of a variety of particular bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and others. This wonder dairy product can make for a dish itself with fruits or chopped onions and tomatoes or it can be blended into smoothies, used to add texture to your curries or make your breakfast cereal wholesome.

The bacteria used to make yogurt are called 'yogurt cultures' which ferment lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This process produces lactic acid, a substance that causes milk proteins to curdle, giving yogurt its unique flavor and texture. Yogurt can be made from all types of milk. Varieties made from skim milk are considered fat-free, whereas those made from whole milk are considered full-fat.

It is very convenient for us pair yogurt with our daily meals but have we ever wondered about the amazing health benefits that we can enjoy by having a bowl of curd or yogurt every day.

Yogurt comes from milk and therefore, it is loaded with several essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. An advantage with yogurt is that it is light on the stomach and easier to digest than milk. In this article we will tell about impressive health benefits of eating yogurt.

# Rich in Nutrients

Yogurt contains some of nearly every nutrient that your body needs. It’s known for containing a lot of calcium, a mineral necessary for healthy teeth and bones. Just one cup provides 49% of your daily calcium needs. It is also high in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and riboflavin, both of which may protect against heart disease and certain neural tube birth defects. One nutrient that yogurt does not contain naturally is vitamin D, but it is commonly fortified with it. Vitamin D promotes bone and immune system health and may reduce the risk of some diseases, including heart disease and depression.

# Good for Digestion

Yogurt or curd is a great probiotic (an ingredient that contains live bacteria). Yogurt containing probiotics can increase the body's ability to fight harmful bacteria. Not only that, yogurt which is rich in good bacteria can also soothe the stomach to relieve GERD. With the consumption of yogurt, the time food moves into the intestine can increase faster. Some types of probiotics found in yogurt, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, have been shown to lessen the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a common disorder that affects the colon.

# High in Protein

Yogurt provides an impressive amount of protein, with about 12 grams per 7 ounces (200 grams). Protein has been shown to support metabolism by increasing your energy expenditure, or the number of calories that you burn throughout the day. Protein has been shown to support metabolism by increasing your energy expenditure, or the number of calories that you burn throughout the day. Getting enough protein is also important for appetite regulation, as it increases the production of hormones that signal fullness. It may automatically reduce the number of calories you consume overall, which is beneficial for weight control.

# Stronger Immunity

The live active cultures found in yogurt fight disease-causing germs and keep your gut and intestinal tract protected. A scientific study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Vienna in Austria found that eating a 7-ounce dose of yogurt (about 200 grams) was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills.

# Reduces High Blood Pressure

The special proteins in yogurt along with nutrients like potassium and magnesium help in lowering high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.

# Heart Health

Yogurt’s fat content is one of the reasons why its healthiness is often controversial. It contains mostly saturated fat, with a small amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fat was previously believed to cause heart disease, but current research shows that this isn’t the case. Nevertheless, fat-free and low-fat varieties of yogurt are still popular in the US.

# Promote Weight Management

Yogurt has several properties that may help with weight management. For starters, it is high in protein, which works along with calcium to increase levels of appetite-reducing hormones like peptide YY and GLP-1 . One review found that the intake of full-fat dairy products, including yogurt, may reduce the incidence of obesity. This is contrary to what was previously believed about fat intake and weight gain.

# Prevents Vaginal Infections

Yogurt may be particularly good for women as it helps in discouraging the growth of yeast infections. The lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria found in yogurt is known to control the growth of infection in the body and kill the yeast by kills by producing hydrogen peroxide. Apart from this Applying a mixture of yogurt and honey inside the vagina seems to reduce symptoms and help treat vaginal yeast infections.

# Good for Bones

A daily dose of calcium not only helps in maintaining bone density but also strengthens them. It is low in fat and calories and thus, may also help in keeping your weight in check.

# Tooth plaque

Early research shows that eating yogurt might prevent plaque build-up in people who do not brush their teeth for 5 days.

# HIV/AIDS

Early research shows that eating yogurt might improve white blood cell counts in HIV/AIDS patients. But conflicting results exist. It's not clear which yogurt product or length of treatment works best.

# Obesity

People who eat yogurt might have a lower risk of obesity compared to those who don't eat yogurt. But not all research agrees.