Are You More Cultured Than a Cup of Yogurt?

If you are a lover of dairy products, you will never want to miss this food called the Yogurt. There are a lot of health benefits associated with yogurt and you would definitely want to add it into your grocery list the next time you are going to the supermarket. It provides a very good source of nutrition such as Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), probiotics and calcium.

Picture taken from wdexpo.org

Here are some reasons why Yogurt is good for you

1) Good for your bones

An average person would require 1,000mg of calcium a day and a glass of yogurt would easily provides you with 30-40% of calcium required for the day. Calcium is an important mineral as it is required for the development of bones. A high calcium diet would allow you to have strong bones. It also prevents osteoporosis especially for the old people. Choose yogurt which contains Vitamin D because it promotes the absorption of calcium into our body.

2) Boost immune system

Yogurt contains probiotics, good bacteria which are good for the immune system. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus casei has been proven to increase the number immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes,which kill unwanted substances in the body. As the number of these cells increase, the body will have a better immune system. It also prevents cancer.

3) Prevents yeast infection

Women, especially those with diabetes are more prone to Candida infection, commonly known as vaginal or yeast infection. Patients with Candida infection have vaginal pH around 6.0. Research has shown that active culture in yogurt helps to reduce vaginal pH to around 4.0 (normal range), hence, discouraging yeast growth.

4) A healthy gastrointestinal system

For people who exhibits diarrhea due to lactose(milk sugar) intolerance. The high lactase (enzyme which breaks down lactose), low lactose yogurt would reduce this problem.

Healthy bacteria such as Acidophilus prevents the conversion of bile into carcinogenic bile. Hence, preventing diseases such as colon cancer and H pylori infection.

Just a tip on how to choose your yogurt. Choose those with active probiotics, low fat and light sweetener.

Ever heard of the phrase "You are what you eat?" If you want to stay healthy, then eat well.

If you have any queries, do feel free to email Jin's Health tips at tanjinlin@gmail.com