Top 9 Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is fermented milk and contains many of the good qualities of milk. Yogurt is eaten by people around the world. Apart from its good taste, yogurt has therapeutic powers that provide many health benefits. Yogurt is loaded with healthy nutrients. It is a rich source of calcium, and yogurt with live active cultures aids the body’s absorption of calcium. Also, yogurt contains protein that is easy to digest. Other valuable nutrients in yogurt are riboflavin, B vitamins, folic acid, lactic acid, potassium, phosphorous, iodine and zinc.

Here are the top 9 health benefits of yogurt.

1. Aids Digestion

Yogurt is an easily digestible food. In addition, the good bacteria or probiotics present in some types of yogurt help with digestion of other foods and promote regularity. Also, yogurt is highly recommended for those suffering from different gastrointestinal conditions like constipation, diarrhea and stomach aches. Eat one cup of low-fat yogurt with live cultures daily to soothe your tummy and keep your digestive tract running smoothly.

2. Boosts Immune System

According to several studies, people who eat two cups of yogurt daily with live cultures for three months have higher levels of immunity boosting cells compared to those who do not eat yogurt. The good bacteria in yogurt strengthen the intestine, help the body absorb nutrients properly and make the digestive system stronger. All these factors in turn boost the immune system.

3. Helps Weight Loss

Yogurt can help you lose weight at a faster speed. The good bacteria in probiotic yogurt help improve metabolism and digestion, and keep you feeling full longer. Plus, the high amount of calcium in yogurt signals your fat cells to pump out less cortisol, making it easier for you to lose weight. Also, the amino acids in yogurt help burn fat.

4. Prevents High Blood Pressure

Eating too much salt is one of the key reasons behind high blood pressure. The potassium present in yogurt helps absorb and flush out sodium from the body.

According to a study presented at the High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association, people who ate non-fat yogurt on a daily basis were 31 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to others.

5. Lowers Cholesterol

Yogurt with live active cultures can be very effective for lowering your cholesterol level. The live active cultures decrease cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Plus, the probiotics also bind bile acids, which in turn helps lower cholesterol.

6. Prevents Colon Cancer

Yogurt is great for keeping your colon healthy. Lactobacillus bacteria are a kind of intestine-friendly bacteria present in yogurt that promote growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and thus reduces the risk of colon diseases.

These good bacteria kill the harmful microorganisms in the colon before they become carcinogenic. Plus, the high calcium content in the yogurt binds cancer-producing bile acids and keeps them away from the colon walls.

7. Supports Oral Health

Yogurt can also improve your oral health. Low-fat yogurt, whether sweetened or not, will protect against cavities, one of the leading gum problems. This is mainly due to the lactic acid in yogurt that protects your teeth as well as the gums. Plus, yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, two important nutrients that promote oral health. Experts also believe that the good bacteria in yogurt help control the growth of “unfriendly” bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.

8. Prevents Osteoporosis

The calcium, vitamin D and live active cultures in yogurt strengthen bones and increase bone density. This in turn prevents osteoporosis, a progressive disease in which the bones gradually become weak and vulnerable to fractures.

9. Makes Hair Healthy

If you have yogurt, there is no need for pricy treatments promising healthy and shiny hair. Yogurt is a rich source of zinc, lactic acid, protein, calcium, and other nutrients that are good for your hair. Yogurt promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff and relieves scalp itchiness. Plus, yogurt acts as a great natural conditioner for dry and damaged hair and helps gain and retain moisture.

Blend one-half cup of plain yogurt, apply it on your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use this hair treatment once a week to enjoy healthy and strong hair.