Health benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt, one of the most consumed dairy products, is consumed by millions of people. It is nutritious & offers amazing health benefits. It is claimed to reduce risk of heart disease, Osteoporosis as well aids in weight management.

How is Yoghurt made?

Yogurt is made from bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used to make Yogurt are called yogurt cultures that ferment lactose, natural sugar found in milk. This process produces lactic acid that causes milk protein to curdle giving yogurt its flavor & texture. However most commercial brands add sugar & artificial sweeteners which are not good for health & somethings causes bloating. Homemade unsweetened curd offers amazing health benefits:

1. High in important nutrients: Yogurt contains every nutrient your body needs which are required for essential biological processes such as regulating blood pressure, metabolism & bone health. Yogurt fulfills the following nutrient requirements.
   •  It has a lot of calcium which is necessary for teeth & bones. One cup of yogurt provides 49% of daily calcium needs. 
   • It is also high in B vitamins, specifically B 12 & riboflavin which helps in preventing heart disease. 
   • One cup also provides 38% of daily phosphorus needs
   • One cup also provides 12% of daily magnesium needs
   • One cup also provides 18% of daily potassium needs
2. High in protein: Yogurt is amazingly high in protein with 12 grams of protein per 200 grams(7 ounces). Protein enhances your metabolism by increasing the energy expenditure. It automatically reduces the consumption of calories your body needs & increases production of hormones that makes you feel full.
3. Helps in digestion:  Some types of Yogurt contains live bacteria or probiotics which aids in digestion. However many yogurts kill these beneficial bacteria through a heat treatment called pasteurization. To ensure your yogurt contains effective probiotics, look for one that contains live, active cultures, which should be listed on the label.
4. Strengthens your immune system: Probiotics rich yogurt strengthens your immune system & reduces your likelihood of contracting an illness. Probiotics is said to reduce inflammation which is linked to various medical conditions such as viral infection & gut health.  Immune enhancing properties of Yogurt is attributed to traces of Magnesium, Selenium & Zinc.
5. Protects against Osteoporosis: Yogurt contains some key nutrients for maintaining bone health, including calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus and, sometimes, vitamin D.All of these vitamins and minerals are especially helpful for preventing osteoporosis. This is specifically prevalent in elderly people
6. Promotes weight management:  Yogurt has several properties that helps in weight management. It is high in protein which when combined with calcium helps in increasing the appetite reducing hormones. Yogurt consumption is also associated with lower body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference