It’s not surprising that Greek yogurt is a staple in many diets. It’s super-versatile and provides a wide range of nutritional benefits in a relatively compact serving. Greek yogurt differs from regular yogurt in that it is strained whilst natural yogurt isn’t. It is also naturally lower in sugar than regular yogurt and many love the rich texture of Greek yogurt, which is much thicker and creamier than its regular yogurt counterpart. Read on for Greek Yogurt: 5 Top Health Benefits You’ll Love!
1. High in Protein
Greek yogurt is high in protein, which helps promote fullness, leaving you much more satisfied than if you had opted for regular yogurt.
A serving contains between 15 to 20 grams, twice the amount of regular yogurt which has just 9 grams per serving. Protein is also essential for our health. It’s a macronutrient that helps repair tissue and build muscle in the body which is necessary for growth.
Greek yogurt is a great protein source, especially if you’re looking to avoid meat. Adding chia seeds give you an extra protein and fibre boost, which you can enjoy in, for instance, a lovely chia–seed pudding for breakfast. Check out the recipe in the video above!
2. Less Sodium
Greek yogurt contains half the amount of sodium than regular yogurt. There’s an average 50mg of sodium per serving, which is perfect for keeping your sodium level down. Too much salt in your diet can also increase blood pressure, causing heart risks. Greek yogurt is a good option to help avoid these risks.
3. Packed with Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that live in your intestines and help to get rid of bad bacteria, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria. It’s important to have this healthy balance to boost your immune system, improve digestion and keep your gut happy.
Different types Greek yogurts will provide different strains of good bacteria but they’re all beneficial for your health. Probiotics are also great for your mental health, supplements have been found to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, whilst also aiding improvements in memory.
4. Vitamin B12 – Good for Your Skin
One serving of Greek yogurt can provide up to 21% of your RDA which is brilliant because Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that keeps the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and is also important for brain function.
It’s also great for vegetarians and vegans who might struggle to meet vitamin B12 requirements as it’s usually found in animal products. So Greek yogurt is a helpful, meat-free source of vitamin B12 to include in your regular diet.
5. Iodine-Rich
Last but not least, Greek yogurt is an excellent source of iodine. Iodine is important for proper thyroid functioning and a healthy metabolism. However, your body can’t produce iodine so it’s important to consume iodine-rich foods or supplements to make sure you consume enough of this essential micronutrient.
It’s suggested to consume 150 micrograms per day as a deficiency may adversely affect your body’s metabolism. One cup of Greek yogurt contains half the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iodine, so eat up!
What is your favourite Grecian yogurt flavour or recipe? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!