Eating plain yogurt is beneficial to your health, and is a better choice than eating fruit yogurt. Yogurt is a dairy product made from milk and beneficial live bacterial cultures. Compared to to other yogurts, plain yogurt contains more protein, half the calories, more calcium and no added sugar, according to AskDrSears.com.
High in Calcium
Plain yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral necessary for healthy bones and teeth. One cup of plain, non-fat yogurt contains 452mg of calcium, or approximately 45 percent of the required daily value of 1,000mg, according to Health.gov. In comparison, one cup of low-fat fruit yogurt contains 345mg, and one cup of non-fat milk contains 306mg.
No Added Sugar
Plain yogurt does not contain added sugar. One serving of plain yogurt contains approximately 12g of the naturally-occurring milk sugar called lactose, the American Dietetic Association states. Fruit-flavored yogurts vary in the amount of sugar, but typically contain 26g of sugar per serving from added sweeteners and fruit.
Higher in Protein
Plain yogurt is a good source of protein, an essential part of the diet that is required for tissue growth and repair. Plain yogurt usually contains 10 to 14g of protein per 8 oz. serving, or approximately 20 percent of the required daily value of protein for most people, according to AskDrSears.com.
Contains Beneficial Bacteria
Like other yogurts, plain yogurt contains lactobacteria, or probiotics, which are beneficial live bacteria. It is believed that this beneficial bacteria replaces harmful bacteria that may be present in the intestines, according to an article titled, "Getting the Goods on 'Good Bacteria'" by Allison Aubrey published on the NPR website. Bacterial cultures in yogurt may also boost immunity and help children recover from diarrhea faster, AskDrSears.com says. Consuming yogurt while taking an antibiotic may lessen the harmful effects of the drugs on beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
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