Health Benefits Of Yogurt

Yogurt comes from milk and therefore, it is loaded with several essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. An advantage with yogurt is that it is light on the stomach and easier to digest than milk.

1. Good for Digestion

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a bacterium which accelerates bowel movement and cannot be found in any food other than yogurt. The lactic acid in the yogurt kills the malicious bacteria in the bowel, preventing diarrhea and helps to create a healthy inner bowel environment. In other words, we can say that this fermented dairy product is a bowel cleanser. Yogurt increases calcium absorption after being consumed and stimulates the saturation hormone in the bowels as it features high quality animal fat and protein.

Yogurt or curd is a great probiotic (an ingredient that contains live bacteria). These good and beneficial bacteria are known to improve gut activity, soothe inflamed digestive systems and treat an upset stomach.

2. Stronger Immunity

The live active cultures found in yogurt fight disease-causing germs and keep your gut and intestinal tract protected. A scientific study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Vienna in Austria found that eating a 7-ounce dose of yogurt (about 200 grams) was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills.

3. Beautiful and Healthy Skin

Curd has a moisturizing effect on your skin and it heals your dry skin naturally. A lot of people suffer from acne due to certain gastrointestinal problems. Curd helps in marinating a happy and active gut which leads to healthy skin. Yogurt is an excellent beauty ingredient for face packs too as it contains lactic acid that acts as an exfoliator and clears off all dead cells and blemishes.

4. Reduces High Blood Pressure

A research presented at the High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) showed that people who ate more non-fat yogurt were 31 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than others. The special proteins in yogurt along with nutrients like potassium and magnesium help in lowering high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.

5. Prevents Vaginal Infections

Yogurt is also important for women's health. The lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria found in yogurt prevents the production of candida (a type of fungus) and vaginitis in the vagina and kill the yeast by kills by producing hydrogen peroxide.

6. Good For The Bones

A cup of yogurt (250grams) contains about 275mg of calcium as per the United States Department of Agriculture. A daily dose of calcium not only helps in maintaining bone density but also strengthens them. It is low in fat and calories and thus, may also help in keeping your weight in check.

7. Balances Your Blood Sugar

Studies show that the blood sugar levels of people who consume un-fermented and non-skimmed yogurt rally. Moreover, as yogurt is a food that is absorbed slowly in the bowels, your blood sugar is affected by it much later.

8. Good against Allergies

Allergic reactions are triggered by IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and it reveals itself on the skin. Yogurt prevents atopic diseases such as dermatitis, asthma and food allergies. As it balances the intestinal flora, yogurt minimalizes the allergic reaction