Greek yogurt sales doubled every year between 2006 and 2010, according to Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Yogurt is made by allowing pasteurized milk with added active bacteria cultures to ferment. The yogurt is filtered to remove some of the whey and moisture to make Greek yogurt. Nutritionists and many health-conscious consumers buy Greek yogurt for its health benefits.
Protein
Filtering yogurt concentrates proteins. Greek yogurt contains 14 to 18 g protein in 6 oz., while plain yogurt has 10g protein in 6 oz., says Ohio State University Extension. Because there is protein in every bodily cell and tissue, it is an important nutrient. Greek yogurt is a complete protein source, as it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. The recommended dietary allowance for women is 46mg protein, and men need 52mg protein daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.
Calcium
Greek yogurt has approximately 20 percent of the calcium RDA in 6 oz., according to Ohio State University Extension. Calcium is the most common mineral in body. Teeth and bones require calcium for mineralization. To maintain optimal levels of calcium for vital functions, including muscle contraction and secretion of hormones, bone is demineralized when calcium blood serum levels are too low. This makes it vital to get enough calcium every day.
Low in Fat
Low-fat and nonfat Greek yogurts are made from skim milk. Because meats and other complete protein sources contain saturated fats, the CDC recommends eating low-fat dairy food to decrease saturated fats that increase the risk of heart disease. The Institute of Medicine set the acceptable macronutrient distribution range of dietary fat as 20 to 35 g. Nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium, but does not significantly increase your fat intake.
Low in Calories
Ohio State University Extension notes that Greek yogurt has less sugar, at 7g to 9g, than the 12g of sugar in regular yogurt. Greek yogurt's flavor is not as tangy as plain yogurt, so Greek yogurt may be substituted for sour cream in recipes. Nonfat Greek yogurt has 135 calories in 8 oz., while regular sour cream has 440 calories and fat-free sour cream has 170 calories.
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