Buying dairy? Don't leave grocery store without this healthy staple
Dietitian reveals the key health benefit of Greek yogurt (photo: Magnific)
Greek yogurt has long outgrown its status as just a trendy food. Thanks to its high protein content, creamy texture, and versatility, a dietitian recommends it as a great choice for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert, according to EatingWell.
Why you should choose Greek yogurt
Great source of protein
Dietitian Jane Leverich explained that Greek yogurt is strained to remove most of the liquid whey, making it thicker, creamier, and higher in protein. One serving contains about 17 grams of protein and around 100 calories.
Because it can be eaten straight from the refrigerator, it's easy to add a scoop to meals and snacks to boost protein intake. Protein helps build and maintain muscle, promotes fullness and satiety, and supports stable blood sugar levels for longer-lasting energy.
Rich in gut-friendly bacteria
Gut health affects everything from digestion to mood and metabolism. Fermented foods are one of the best ways to introduce beneficial bacteria into the digestive system, and Greek yogurt is one of the easiest options.
Greek yogurt is made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria, resulting in a product that contains live and active cultures, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium.
Regularly eating Greek yogurt has been linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and support for maintaining a healthy weight, thanks in part to its positive effects on gut health.
Versatile food
For breakfast: Top it with berries, bananas, apples, nuts, seeds, granola, oats, or honey. You can also mix it with chia seeds or use it as the base for a smoothie.
As a snack: Eat it on its own or pair it with fresh fruit, dried fruit, or peanut butter.
For baking: Greek yogurt works well in pancake, muffin, cupcake, and homemade bread recipes, making baked goods softer and more moist.
Instead of sour cream or mayonnaise: Use it in salads, on baked potatoes, with borscht, roasted vegetables, or any dish where you want a lighter alternative.
How to choose quality product
Because of the straining process, Greek yogurt naturally contains less lactose and more protein than regular yogurt. However, not all products labeled as Greek yogurt offer the same nutritional benefits.
When shopping, the dietitian recommends carefully checking the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient list. A quality Greek yogurt should contain about 8 to 12 grams of protein per 100 grams. If it has only 3 to 5 grams of protein per 100 grams, it is most likely regular yogurt rather than authentic Greek yogurt.
It's also important to check the sugar content. Plain Greek yogurt typically contains about 4 to 6 grams of sugar per 100 grams, most of which comes naturally from lactose. A much higher amount may indicate that sugar or fruit sweeteners have been added.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
