Is Greek Yogurt Good for You?

Yogurt is a popularly consumed milk product prepared by culturing live microorganisms in milk. These microbes known as yogurt cultures belong to Acidophilus bacteria, and are characterized by their ability to thrive in acidic environment. When milk is treated with yogurt cultures, the lactose gets converted to lactic acid. This acid then reacts with the milk proteins, resulting in a tart tasting thick product, called yogurt. There are several yogurt varieties, of which Greek yogurt is one of them.

Greek Yogurt: What is it?

Greek yogurt is an extra creamy and thick version of the regular yogurt type. It has the consistence of sour cream, i.e., between yogurt and cheese. The thick texture is brought about by further processing of yogurt. To be more precise, whey from yogurt is filtered by straining process to make Greek yogurt. With reference to the preparation procedure, this variety of yogurt is known by alternative names, strained yogurt and yogurt cheese. Many people find Greek yogurt more palatable than plain yogurt. The creamy taste and less sourness make it a tastier version.

Greek Yogurt and You?

No doubt, strained yogurt is a tasty treat for many people. But, is Greek yogurt good for you? The prompt answer is yes, provided that it is a low-fat and non-flavored Greek yogurt. Full fat product contains high amounts of saturated fat, which serve as a trigger for heart and cardiovascular diseases. According to nutrition experts, the low-fat strained yogurt is superior to plain yogurt in many ways. In order to justify this claim, let's take a look at Greek yogurt nutritional info.

Greek Yogurt Calories
The nutrition facts of Greek yogurt depend on the ingredients used for preparation. Say, for instance, an extra creamy yogurt is made from whole milk and cream. Although it tastes yummy, the fat content is more and calorie count is very high. Serving 7 ounces of this product yields approximately 260 calories. If you are concerned about Greek yogurt calories, opt for the low-fat or non-fat varieties, rather than the full-fat ones. They are equally creamy and rich in proteins.

Greek Yogurt Nutrition Facts
So, why is Greek yogurt so good for you? The low-fat type contains high amounts of proteins and calcium, with lower amounts of sugar and fat in comparison to regular yogurt. Serving a package (7 ounces) of strained yogurt yields about 18 g protein, while consuming the same amount of plain yogurt gives 11.5 g proteins. In addition, serving a package of strained yogurt provides only 7 g sugar and 20 percent of daily calcium required for an adult (with reference to 2000 calorie diet). Other nutrients present in Greek yogurt are vitamins B6 and B12, zinc and potassium.

In the market, you will get several Greek yogurt brands. Majority of the manufacturers use cow's milk for making strained yogurt, while some products are based on sheep milk. Yogurt prepared from the milk of sheep has a tangier taste, as compared to yogurt made from cow's milk. So, you can choose low-fat (2 percent fat) or fat-free (zero percent) Greek yogurt for incorporating in daily diet. With this creamy base, you can simply spoon honey or maple syrup, or toss some fresh berries on it and consume as dessert.

A plus point with this milk product is increased tolerance limit for those who have mild lactose sensitivity problems. Hence, they can still devour and reap Greek yogurt benefits without worrying much about allergic symptoms. What's more, strained yogurt makes delectable dips, which are healthier than other dairy-based dips, like mayonnaise or sour cream.