6. Yogurt may prevent high blood pressure.
Every day 70 percent of us consume more than twice the recommended amount of salt; over time that can lead to hypertension and kidney and heart disease. The potassium in yogurt, almost 600 milligrams per eight ounces, may help flush some of the excess sodium out of your body.
7. A daily serving of yogurt keeps colds away.
Dig into four ounces each day and you may find yourself sniffle-free in the months ahead, according to a study at the University of Vienna. Women eating this amount had much stronger and more active T cells, which battle illness and infection, than they did before they started consuming it. “The healthy bacteria in yogurt help send signals to the immune-boosting cells in your body to power up and fight off harmful bugs,” says lead study author Alexa Meyer, PhD, a nutrition researcher at the university. Allergy sufferers, who typically have low levels of certain T cells, may also find relief by adding yogurt to their diets.
8. Yogurt can help your smile.
Despite its sugar content, yogurt doesn’t cause cavities. When scientists at Marmara University in Turkey tested low-fat, light, and fruit flavors, they found that none of them eroded tooth enamel, the main cause of decay. The lactic acid in yogurt appears to give your gums protection as well. People who eat at least two ounces a day have a 60 percent lower risk of acquiring severe periodontal disease than those who skip it.
9. Raw doesn’t mean better.
Virtually all the yogurt in your grocery store has been pasteurized — that is, exposed to high temperatures to kill any harmful pathogens. Raw-dairy fans claim that unpasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese are better for you because they contain more health-boosting bacteria, but pasteurization doesn’t destroy beneficial probiotics, Newgent explains. Plus, studies show that those who eat raw yogurt don’t have stronger immune or digestive systems than people who stick to the pasteurized stuff. And raw-dairy products carry a risk of food poisoning.
10. Yogurt is a high-protein food.
Yogurt can be an excellent source of protein, but “one variety may contain more than double the protein of another,” Blatner says. Greek yogurt, which is strained to make it thicker, has up to 20 grams of protein per container; traditional yogurt may have as few as five grams. If you’re eating it for the protein, look for brands that provide at least eight to 10 grams per serving.
What to Look For in a Yogurt
Forget the fancy promises. To find a healthy yogurt that’s low in calories, fat, and sugar, follow as many of these guidelines as you can.
Per 6-ounce serving:
Calories: 100 to 150 (if you’re snacking, stick to the lower end)
Fat: 3.5 grams or less (low-fat or nonfat)
Saturated fat: 2 grams or less
Protein: at least 8 to 10 grams
Sugar: 20 grams or lessCalcium: at least 20 percent of the daily value
Vitamin D: at least 20 percent of the daily value
– shine.yahoo.com
