If you're searching for a way to improve your diet, look no further: eating a cup of yogurt every day is a surefire way to feel a lot more healthy. It's been consumed for hundreds of years and has an ample amount of scientifically proven health benefits, from helping your immune system to improving your gut health. Yogurt is a dairy product that contains natural bacteria and is made from milk. Although there are a lot of flavored, sweetened yogurts out there, they aren't as good for you as plain white yogurt. Here are its top five health benefits.
It's High in Protein
Yogurt is high in protein, which are amino acids that enable your body to function well and build muscle mass, helping the metabolism and strengthening the immune system. It helps to burn calories throughout the day alongside regulating your appetite, meaning that you won't snack on unhealthy foods as much and you'll be able to control your weight more easily.
It Will Improve Your Gut Health
Many types of yogurt contain probiotics, which benefit digestive health. Make sure that you check the label and that the yogurt you're eating contains live, active cultures. These can help lessen bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and constipation, alongside relieving the effects of diarrhea brought on by antibiotics. The good bacteria in probiotics will help your guts work with ease and regularity, lessening the effects of common gastrointestinal disorders.
It Contains Important Nutrients
The vast majority of the nutrients that your body needs can be found in yogurt. A cup of yogurt provides almost half of the calcium you need in one day, which helps your teeth and bones and will prevent you from developing osteoporosis. It also provides phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, which help to regulate blood pressure and the metabolism. Finally, yogurt contains a lot of vitamin B12 and riboflavin, which protect against heart attacks.
It Promotes Heart Health
Yogurt contains mostly saturated fat, which has led it to be a controversial food. However, research has shown that it does not cause heart disease and may benefit heart health. People who regularly eat yogurt have a lower overall incidence of heart disease, and the good cholesterol in the body is increased by whole milk products. Yogurt can also help to reduce high blood pressure, which can often lead to heart disease.
It Strengthens Your Immune System
Yogurt can help to improve your immune system, meaning that you'll be less likely to get sick and contract diseases. Probiotics can reduce inflammation, meaning that illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease will have less of an effect and diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's will be helped. The effects of common colds will be lessened, making them shorter and less uncomfortable, and the immune system will be boosted with properties such as magnesium and zinc.
Eating yogurt has a range of incredible health benefits, from helping your gut health to reducing your blood pressure, and your chances of getting heart disease.
