Yogurt Nutrition Facts

People from different cultures have always enjoyed the rich taste and the different health benefits of yogurt. Recently, further research has proven that not only can you enjoy this delicious snack, but you can also derive a host of health benefits from it. Of course, flavored yogurt is full of fats and lesser nutrition. However, regular and low-fat yogurt can be transformed into delicious side dishes, salad dressings, and even dessert. How you enjoy yogurt is your choice, just remember to keep it healthy. Here, we bring to you the nutritional information of yogurt, as well as details of the health benefits of this accompaniment to your meals.

The Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is extremely rich in calcium. Apart from calcium, it is also a rich source of the important minerals required by the body, including iodine. Take a look at all the health benefits yogurt has to offer.

• Regular consumption of yogurt boosts the immune system. It has the ability to control infections, and therefore protect the body from diseases that are caused by the same.
• Yogurt has the ability to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or the good cholesterol.
• The rich calcium content in yogurt makes it great to promote bone health. Moreover, studies have proven that the consumption of calcium rich foods is related to fat loss. Not only does it aid fat loss, but retains the lean muscles that are required for the strength of the body.
• Studies have also shown that eating yogurt daily helps in preventing as well as healing the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
• The cooling effect of yogurt helps in preventing and healing ulcers of the mouth and the stomach.
• One may even keep the risk of colorectal cancer at bay by having a daily serving of yogurt. This is particularly true of yogurt prepared from whole milk. Though it is high in saturated fat, it has the ability to ward off the risk of cancer, and thereby keep the body healthy and safe.
• A little known fact is that eating yogurt, sugar-free, prevents the development of bad breath by lowering the levels of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, and preventing tongue-coating. Moreover, it also has the ability to prevent the formation of dental plaque, cavities and gingivitis.

Nutrition Facts of Yogurt

Given below is the nutritional information of plain yogurt, low fat yogurt, and Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a slight variation of regular yogurt, in that it is creamier, and has a richer texture than regular yogurt. As compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt also has higher protein and a lower carbohydrate content, but contains lesser calcium. Greek yogurt forms a great base for various dips and salad dressings. Depending on your requirements, you may choose Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt.

Type of Yogurt	Calories	Cholesterol	Carbohydrates	Fats	Protein	Calcium	Magnesium	Phosphorus	Potassium	Zinc	Selenium
Plain Yogurt (Whole Milk, 1 cup - 245 g)	149	31.9 mg	11.4 g	8.0 g	8.5 g	296 mg	29.4 mg	233 mg	380 mg	1.4 mg	5.4 mcg
Low Fat Yogurt (1 cup - 245 g)	154	14.7 mg	17.2 g	3.8 g	12.9 g	448 mg	41.7	353 mg	573 mg	2.2 mg	8.31 mcg
Greek Yogurt (2/3 cup - 150 g)	130	20.0 mg	5.0 g	8.0 g	11.0 g	100 mg	-	-	-	-	-

Yogurt is low in calories, and rich in a lot of nutrients that are essential for the body. With all these details explained, do you really need another reason to enjoy this yummy food? Eat it exactly how you like it, and make the most of all that it has to offer.