The yogurt section at your grocery store is likely packed with lots of options. Whether you chose plain, low-fat, Greek or flavored, yogurt is healthy to eat. It contains nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It’s also loaded with protein, and an 8-ounce cup contains almost half of your daily needs of calcium!
Yogurt is made by fermenting milk and contains good bacteria called Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles. These are better known as probiotics. Probiotics can support digestion. They may restore normal bacteria in your intestines after taking antibiotics, and may help boost your immune system.
Partha’s RX
- When choosing yogurt, check the label for "live and active cultures." That means the yogurt contains probiotics and has at least 100 million active cultures per gram of yogurt.
- Avoid yogurt with "fruit on the bottom" as these can double or triple your sugar content.
- It’s best to choose plain yogurt because flavored is typically filled with artificial sweeteners. You can add healthier sweeteners like fresh fruit, honey or maple syrup instead.
- Refrigerate yogurt immediately after you get home, preferably not on the fridge door. It’s best to keep it on the colder shelves.
Probiotics are generally safe for most healthy adults. Some of you may experience gas which typically stops after a few days. If you’re lactose intolerant, you may want to choose dairy-free probiotics to avoid stomach discomfort. Probiotics may not be safe for you if you have a weakened immune system or get infections often, so please ask your doctor if you have questions.
