Why You Should Use and Eat Yogurt

Are you lactose intolerant?

Yogurt can be a good substitute for milk because it is easier to digest. Yogurt is cultured in such a way that it can be digested easier. Lactase is formed in the active culture of yogurt and this is not in lactose-intolerant individuals which makes them able to eat yogurt than drink milk. There is less lactose in yogurt than in milk and the process of culturing breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose which can be easily absorbed by lactose-intolerant people.

High Cholesterol?

There have been some studies that yogurt can lower blood cholesterol. It is said that the live cultures binds with bile acids which can lower cholesterol levels.

Calcium

Yogurt is a very good source of calcium because it enhances the absorption of calcium into the body. Thus, the risk for osteoporosis can be lowered. Vitamin D can also be found in yogurt. With that, the combination of calcium and Vitamin D is good for the skeletal system. It is important that you read the label of the yogurt that you are going to buy.

Have a Healthy Gut

The active culture in yogurt can help clean the colon and prevent other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and even colon cancer. The good bacteria called lactobacteria that is found in yogurt promotes the growth of other health flora in the intestines.

Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for ulcers and contributing factor to stomach cancer can also be prevented with yogurt.

Yogurt in Diet

Yogurt can leave you feeling fuller and less hungry. This is especially good news to those who are going on a diet.

Higher Immunity

Yogurt can also boost your immune system by stimulating the infection-fighting cells in the body. There are studies that show yogurt may have anti-tumor effects.

Decreases Yeast Infection

Candida or yeast infections among diabetic women are often a problem. Eating yogurt often can decrease the presence of yeast colonies and therefore, reduces the risk of infection.

Given the number of benefits that you can get from eating yogurt, it is not too late to start now. You can even create your very own yogurt at home with the following simple steps:

What you need:

1 quart milk

1 dial thermometer

½ live culture yogurt (or other dried starter)

½ cup powdered milk (for thickness)

1 tablespoon white sugar

What to do:

1. Heat the milk up to 180 °F for one minute, slowly stirring. Cool the mixture up to 115°F by putting it in a cold water bath.
2. Once you have reached with desired coolness of the mixture, add the live culture and sugar.
3. The temperature 115°F should be maintained for 4-6 hours because this is the ideal temperature for the bacteria to do their job.
4. After 6 hours, you will have a cheesy odor and green liquid on top. The texture is custardy. The longer you let the mixture sit, the thicker it will become.
5. Refrigerate. It can last up to 2 weeks. Add fruits before eating.