In recent years, frozen yogurt has competed with ice cream as a sweet, dairy dessert. However, unlike non-frozen yogurt, the Food and Drug Administration does not define frozen yogurt as having been made with lactobacillus bulgaricus. Lactobacillus bulgaricus are active cultures also known as "good" bacteria. These live and active cultures provide many nutritional benefits, so it is important that the National Yogurt Association has certified the frozen yogurt being purchased, with the "live and active cultures" seal of approval.
L. acidophilus
L. acidophilus is a lactobacteria that is present in frozen yogurt that feature live and active cultures. According to askdrsears.com, lactobacteria provide many nutritional and health related benefits. For example, they help to limit unhealthy bacteria and fungi by creating an acidic environment within the intestines. "Good" bacteria are able to create B-complex vitamins as well as vitamin K. L. acidophilus also has the ability to make short chain fatty acids, which provide nutrition for intestinal cells. Also, lactobacteria aid in the digestion of dairy products for individuals with lactose intolerance. They help these individuals by digesting lactose and maintaining levels that are easier to digest. Lactobacteria are heart healthy---they help regulate unhealthy fats such as triglycerides.
Calcium
Despite being considered a dessert or snack food, frozen yogurt is a good source of calcium. According to The National Institutes of Health, 1/2 cup of frozen yogurt provides 103 mg of calcium. The adult minimum daily requirement for calcium is 1200 mg. Frozen yogurt can be a valuable source of calcium for individuals who are lactose intolerant, as they may have difficulty getting calcium from a diet that lacks dairy products. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. According to The National Institute of Health, calcium is also essential for regulating the heart beat and conducting nerve impulses.
Fats, Carbohydrtes And Protein
Compared to most ice cream, frozen yogurt is low in fat. An average serving of frozen yogurt provides 4 g of fat, while a serving of ice cream provides between 10 and 12 g of fat. For individuals on a fat restricted diet, frozen yogurt is an enjoyable snack that provides relatively few calories from fat. Lactose provides most of the carbohydrates in frozen yogurt. The carbohydrate in lactose is considered a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates are important for generating a sustained form of energy. Sugar is frequently added to frozen yogurt, so individuals wanting to reduce sugar in their diet should read product labels. Frozen yogurt is also a source of protein, providing approximately 2.9 g per serving. Protein is essential for proper tissue repair and maintenance.
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