Yogurt--a fermented dairy product made simply by adding bacterial cultures to milk--is one of the quickest, easiest and most nutritious snacks. For many folks it is a delicious lunch or even dinner to satisfy any appetite. It also has other identities.
Eating a tasty, fruit-flavored 8-ounce cup of yogurt can be like having an ice cream sundae without the guilt. Or, if you're really hungry but in a hurry, yogurt is an enjoyable and filling meal because of its thick texture. Plain yogurt can also be used as a dietary substitute for sour cream on your baked potato. It can bring pleasure to the taste buds and at the same time provides you with the gift of health.
Studies have shown it can add years to your life. It's a good source of calcium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, vitamin B-12 and protein. Studies have shown that yogurt boosts the immune system and increases immune-related diseases, protects the body from infection when consumed regularly, and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol.
What to Look for
People looking for yogurt have an easy time walking down the shopping aisle with the many products available. Always check for the expiration date on the container. Fruit-flavored yogurts are tasty and great, but you might want to check the label to make sure it doesn't contain excess sugar. Try to avoid yogurts with artificial flavorings or sweeteners.
You will find more and more manufacturers are aiming at a balance between taste and health for their nutrition-conscious customers. There are fat-free yogurts, but like other non-fat products they can leave your tummy yearning for more food. It might be best to get low-fat yogurt, which provides just enough tastiness without the empty feeling. Yogurt made from organic milk is becoming more popular and widely available.
Many stores offer discounts when buying yogurt in large quantities. It's a great way to have a snack or meal anytime right from your refrigerator. Yogurt will stay fresh for about a week after the expiration date if stored in its original container.
Common Pitfalls
Yogurt, like many dairy products, can be associated with allergic reactions in some people. Allergies may include headache, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, skin rashes and insomnia. If you suffer from allergies because of dairy products, yogurt would be no exception. If yogurt becomes a common fixture in your refrigerator, make sure it stays fresh. Like milk or mayonnaise, bad yogurt might give you an upset stomach at the least or a trip to the doctor at worst.
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