Yogurt: A Superfood

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"Yogurt helps to regulate the digestive system and is a source of many nutrients like calcium, protein, and B- vitamins. It has detoxifying properties that are useful in weight loss and weight control."

Yogurt Bowl

I was introduced to the wonders of Yogurt, during a second-year Food Microbiology class at University. Before that, I had only seen it on television and had been uninterested in buying it at the supermarket. I was fascinated by the process of making it and this started my obsession with Yogurt.

Yogurt is made by adding good bacteria to pasteurized milk. This bacteria works with the milk and the end result is the characteristic thick, creamy texture and tangy taste.

Most consumers, including myself, would just buy the cheapest option available on the market, and for the most part but we have to look a little closer before we buy so that we can get the maximum benefits from this superfood.

Yogurt helps to regulate the digestive system and is a source of many nutrients like calcium, protein, and B- vitamins. It has detoxifying properties that are useful in weight loss and weight control. 

Since there are so many different brands of yogurt on the market, the first thing to note is that brands that heat-treat their product don't offer a lot of benefits. You should instead look for brands that have the live and active cultures seal on the packaging as pictured.

Live and Active Cultures Logo courtesy of IDFA

This is very important especially if you have recently been taking antibiotics, as antibiotics usually get rid of both types of bacteria from the system, therefore eating probiotic yogurt replaces them after you have finished taking your rounds of antibiotics. 

I find yogurt to be a better alternative to Ice cream because I feel less bloated after eating yogurt and as a result, I usually have yogurt more often.

 

Plain yogurt is used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine to prepare a variety of meals and is not only something to use as a dessert. This also adds to my fascination with this useful and versatile food. I really hope to see it being used more frequently in Caribbean cuisine. 

How do you have yogurt?