Unveiling the Truth: Is Greek Yogurt the Superior Choice for Your Health?

Many health-conscious people are wondering which yogurt is better for their health. Regular yogurt is usually cheaper in the stores – so if we consider the price, is Greek yogurt better for you?

People in the U.S. have long touted the health benefits of yogurt. However, now many of them are embracing the Greek one. In this article, Your Health Tubers will help you find out is Greek yogurt better for you than the regular one.

Greek yogurt has been strained in order to remove its whey, resulting in a thicker consistency than regular yogurt, while preserving its sour and distinctive taste. This yogurt has more protein and a fewer sugar and carbohydrates than in the regular yogurt.

In North America and Europe, it’s often made with fat-free or low-fat yogurt. In Scandinavia, mostly Iceland, a related product, skyr is made. 

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt 

Eating a bowl of Greek yogurt regularly, can keep you fortified with many important nutrients and even assist you to lose weight. The richer texture is also a big sell for many Greek yogurt lovers. Here are some of the most impressive Greek yogurt health benefits:

1. Packed with Probiotics

This yogurt is packed with probiotics, which are microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. Probiotics are “good” microorganisms that live in the intestines. They are keeping you strong and healthy.

Probiotics are great for your digestive system, and particularly helpful to individuals who suffer from certain health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome ¹ .

2. High-Protein Food

Protein is crucial for good health. It’s vital to repairing tissue, building muscle, and cell growth.

As you get older, you need more protein in order to fight off disease and keep your skin healthy ² . Greek yogurt is an ideal way to boost your levels of protein while avoiding some heavy foods as meat.

3. Full of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy brain function and energy, and Greek yogurt is abundant in this vitamin. So, instead of using supplement Vitamin B12 – consume more Greek yogurt as a powerful, natural alternative ³ .

Vegetarians are usually deficient in Vitamin B12 because this vitamin is mostly found in meat, therefore, Greek yogurt is a perfect food to eat.

4. Healthy and Satisfying Treat After an Exercise

Greek yogurt is always great idea after a tough workout. As an amazing source of protein, this yogurt can help repair the damage done by exercise. Greek yogurt contains amino acids that make up proteins that are the building blocks for repairing fiber damage and regenerating muscle tissue ⁴ .

You can add some berries or banana for a nutrition-packed post exercise snack.

5. Low in Sodium – High in Potassium

Most people in the U.S. have too much sodium in their diets ⁵ . Not just is Greek yogurt really low in sodium – but is also really high in potassium.

So, what does one have to do with the other? Well, there must be a proper balance between potassium and sodium in the body, and this yogurt will help you maintain the appropriate proportions.

6. High Calcium Content

Calcium is vital to keeping fit and healthy. Greek yogurt is an incredible source of calcium – significant to weight loss and overall health.

By incorporating more calcium in your well-balanced diet, you can partially limit production of fat in your body ⁶ . 

7. Chock Full of Iodine

Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function, which is important for healthy metabolism. Greek yogurt is a great source of iodine and is highly recommendable for people who suffer from iodine deficiency.

Furthermore, for people with weight issues, increasing levels of iodine in their diet increases the activity of thyroid, and consecutively increases their metabolism promoting weight loss ⁷ .

Greek Yogurt Vs. Regular Yogurt 

Although Greek yogurt is normally thicker than regular yogurt, and thus, not really “slimy,” some persons still don’t actually care for the consistency.

If you prefer Greek yogurt, one way around that is to incorporate it into a smoothie drink. In turn, you can use it as a topping on some foods.

Greek, nonfat, plain (5.3 ounces)

• 80 calories
• 0 grams of total fat
• 10 milligrams of cholesterol
• 50 milligrams of sodium
• 6 grams of sugar
• 15 grams of protein
• 15% (on a 2000 calorie diet) of calcium

Regular, nonfat, plain (6 ounces)

• 80 calories
• 0 grams of total fat
• 5 milligrams of cholesterol
• 120 milligrams of sodium
• 12 grams of sugar
• 9 grams of protein
• 30% (on a 2000 calorie diet) of calcium

Though many health professionals agree that Greek yogurt has a nutritional edge, both types aid you to lose weight by keeping you full on fewer calories ^8 
9 . The main thing is sticking to plain, nonfat, or some low-fat varieties.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (conducted by Harvard researchers), yogurt can keep weight gain that comes with age in check. Individuals tended to lose around 1 pound each 4 years if they added a daily serving of yogurt to their diet, possibly because of the way bacterial cultures affect the intestines.

Extra tip:

Choose plain Greek yogurt instead of presweetened Greek yogurt, and add your favorite fruit and some honey on the top. An amazing and healthy, sweet treat!

Conclusion:

Greek yogurt is really popular nowadays, and with good reason. But, is Greek yogurt better for you? Well, straining out the additional whey in yogurt makes Greek yogurt tangy, creamy, and thick. Plus, the plain variety has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.

However, regular yogurt offers twice the bone-strengthening mineral calcium. Moreover, Greek yogurt also inclines to be more expensive than typical yogurt, due to the fact that more milk goes into creating each cup.

Yogurt is a healthy choice regardless of whether you choose Greek or regular. They both have calcium, protein, and probiotics (good bacteria which help keep our gut healthy). You can choose plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt. The flavored ones add unnecessary sugar; often 7 tbsp. of added sugar. As an alternative, if you’re craving a little sweetness, you can use fresh fruit or 1-2 tsp. of maple syrup or honey.