Greek yogurt is a thicker, creamier version of yogurt.
It has become a progressively popular food, especially amongst the health mindful, and is typically promoted as a healthier choice than regular yogurt.
This post checks out the health advantages of Greek yogurt and checks out how it compares with regular varieties.
What Is Greek Yogurt?
Greek or Greek-style yogurt has been strained to get rid of the whey.
Whey is the watery part of milk. It shows up once the milk curdles, or separates into liquid and solid parts.
To get rid of the whey and make Greek yogurt, regular yogurt is suspended over a bowl in a piece of cheese cloth material and allowed to rest.
It’s left for a couple of hours, so that the liquid whey leaks through the material, leaving behind a thick and velvety Greek yogurt.
Despite being much thicker and richer (due to consisting of less liquid), it tastes really similar to regular yogurt.
In some nations, such as the UK, Greek yogurt is typically called Greek-style yogurt.
This is due to the fact that food labeling laws in these nations don’t allow items to be labeled as Greek unless they were made in Greece.
So, in short; Greek yogurt has actually been strained to remove the liquid whey. It tastes like typical yogurt, but it has a thicker, creamier taste and texture.
What’s the Difference Between Greek and Typical Yogurt?
The whey that’s strained off when making Greek yogurt contains a great deal of milk sugar (lactose).
Thus, the straining process not only changes the texture, but likewise a few of the nutritional properties.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein, fat and calories than routine yogurt. It’s likewise lower in carbs, and somewhat lower in calcium.
Advantages of Greek Yogurt.
Greek yogurt is highly healthy and might provide some excellent health advantages. Below are five awesome reasons to include it to your diet.
1. It’s Higher in Protein.
Greek yogurt consists of 9 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), which is three times the quantity discovered in the same amount of regular yogurt.
Eating sufficient protein has actually been linked to lots of health benefits, including increased metabolic rate and decreased cravings.
In reality, consuming of a source of protein at meals and when snacking has actually been shown to assist you in feeling fuller for longer, which could assist you when aiming to consume fewer calories.
These facts imply that Greek yogurt might be beneficial for people who wish to consume more protein, specifically if they are trying to drop weight.
2. It’s Lower in Carbs.
Greek yogurt is made by getting rid of the whey, which includes some lactose, or milk sugar.
Therefore, gram for gram, it’s lower in carbohydrates.
This can be beneficial for people who are aiming to restrict their lactose intake or follow a lower-carb diet plan.
However, if you are attempting to consume less sugar, know that some flavored Greek yogurts can contain added sugar.
3. It’s Good for Your Gut and Your Health.
Like typical yogurt, Greek yogurt can consist of excellent bacteria that might benefit your health, particularly your digestive health.
These excellent bacteria are also called probiotics, and they work by changing the balance of bacteria in your gut.
A much better balance of gut bacteria has actually been linked to enhanced food digestion, improved immune function and a minimized danger of many illness, consisting of weight problems.
To verify that your Greek yogurt includes probiotics, make certain the label states “consists of live and active cultures.”.
4. It gives Vitamin B12.
Like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt provides vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that you need to obtain from your diet.
B12 is associated with many essential functions in your body, including red blood cell production and the correct function of your nerve system and brain.
Dairy products like yogurt can be an essential source of vitamin B12, specifically for vegetarians, who also consume dairy.
5. It Contains Less Lactose.
Lactose is the main sugar found in milk. Some individuals have a condition called lactose intolerance, which is identified by the inability to absorb lactose well.
The majority of people with this problem can endure small amounts of lactose in their diet plan.
However, consuming excessive lactose can lead to undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas and discomfort.
Given that the procedure of making Greek yogurt might eliminate the majority of its lactose-containing whey, it can be a better option for people with lactose intolerance.
In conclusion, Greek yogurt is high in protein and vitamin B12, yet low in sugar and lactose. It might also promote a healthy gastrointestinal system.