Plenty of trendy health foods have made their way to the top of our grocery lists, but do we always understand the hype behind them? If not, the added expenses that sometimes accompany more nutritious foods can seem a bit off-putting and not worth the trip through the checkout line. For those nutritious foods that truly bring a host of benefits to your journey with weight and health, however, the hype is worth it!
Greek yogurt happens to be one of those foods. With a variety of benefits for your weight and overall health, as well as an adaptability that is suited for many different meals and recipes, Greek yogurt is a valuable staple to have on hand! But what exactly is this trendy ingredient and must-have good for? Let’s break it down.
Greek Yogurt – How is it Made?
Like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is created by adding healthy bacteria to milk which causes it to ferment. Fermentation transforms lactose, otherwise known as milk sugar, into lactic acid. As a result, yogurt is given it’s “tart” flavor and creamy texture that we love so much.
Unlike regular yogurt, however, Greek yogurt is strained through a cheesecloth three times instead of just twice. The extra strain removes more of the whey from milk and gives it a much thicker consistency.
Take Advantage of its Health Benefits!
This superfood is trendy for a reason. Even more so than regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has a variety of health benefits – especially ones that can help you on your journey with weight and health.
Extra Protein – With almost twice the amount of protein as regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is a nutrition powerhouse. An eight-ounce serving contains about 20 grams of protein alone. If you’re trying to cut back on calories or manage your weight, the protein can help you stay full for longer periods of time.- Less Carbohydrates – This food/snack is a healthier alternative to regular yogurt if you’re looking to monitor your carbohydrate intake, or if you’re managing diabetes and obesity.
- Lower in Lactose and Sodium – Added salts and sugars can easily challenge our most well-intended weight-loss efforts. When compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt also has fewer of these ingredients. In fact, it may even be an option for consumers who are lactose-intolerant.
- Rich in Probiotics – Probiotics are great for ensuring proper digestion, absorbing nutrients and boosting your immune system. The healthy microorganisms and live cultures that dominate this trendy food are especially good for alleviating diarrhea and constipation, and for reducing the effects of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, allergies and lactose intolerance. They may even protect against some colon and bladder cancer!
Tips for Cooking with Greek Yogurt
This power food is excellent on its own or when combined with other ingredients in a dish. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you maximize the health benefits:
First, make sure to store the yogurt in its original container. Remember, it stays fresh approximately one week past the expiration date.- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise, or for eggs when baking.
- Top this snack with some fresh fruit or granola for added protein, nutrients and flavor.
- Keep in mind that heating yogurt over 120 degrees Fahrenheit will destroy the beneficial bacteria. If you must use it in hot foods, try stirring some hot food into it rather than applying it to the food directly.
Want More Information?
For more information on Greek yogurt, as well as some additional cooking tips and snack ideas, be sure to read the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine by CLICKING HERE.
