Yoghurt: A new superfood with numerous health benefits

Yoghurt has been discovered as a surprising new super food, playing host to many health benefits, from digestion to bone health. As an inexpensive ingredient which is both nutritious and low in fat, it is an ideal addition to any healthy diet.

Digestion

Yogurt is a great source of nutrients, including calcium, potassium, protein and Vitamin B12. In addition, there are also many varieties of yoghurt which contain probiotics, a good form of bacteria which help to keep the digestive system working effectively. The British Dietetic Association has been quoted as stating that it is also great for improving your cholesterol when eaten regularly. If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the probiotics found in yoghurt can help to reduce symptoms by up to 78 percent, as well as constipation or diarrhoea.

Osteoporosis

As we all know, yoghurt is a great form of calcium, which can help to improve bone density and strength throughout life. A 150g pot of natural yoghurt can help to provide around a third of the daily requirement of calcium for adults, and can help prevent osteoporosis. Yoghurt is also a great source of Vitamin D, so check the labels to make sure you choose a variety which has this added

High blood pressure

Potassium has been found to be a great way of balancing the fluid levels in the body, as well as reducing high blood pressure. In a recent study, adults who ate the most low-fat dairy products of two or more servings every day were found to be 54 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure.

Vaginal infections

Yoghurt is great for restoring the natural defences in the vagina, which can help to ward off infections such as thrush. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a form of bacteria which is beneficial to the body and can be found in certain varieties of yoghurt.

Hunger pangs

Recent research has found that those who ate yoghurt felt fuller for a longer period, and ate fewer calories at the next meal. Although there are many varieties available, the natural or Greek yoghurt forms are the best for keeping hunger pangs at bay.

There are many varieties of yoghurt on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is best for your healthy diet. Try to avoid those which have a lot of sugar as this will be storied as fat in the body. Those with added Vitamin D and probiotics are also great, as these provide extra health benefits.

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