As the name implies, Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that comes from Greece. Behind the savory taste, Greek yogurt also has various health benefits, such as maintaining digestive health and increasing bone strength.
Various types of yogurt, including Greek yogurt, are both derived from fermented cow's milk. However, unlike other types of yogurt, Greek yogurt has a thicker and softer texture.
Just like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt also contains probiotics. However, Greek yogurt contains less sugar and more protein than regular yogurt.
Thanks to its nutritional and probiotic content, Greek yogurt is quite widely consumed as a healthy and good food to support a diet program.
Nutritional Content of Greek Yogurt
In 100 grams of Greek yogurt, there are about 70 calories and a variety of the following nutrients:
- 10 grams of protein
- 1.9 grams fat
- 4 grams of carbohydrates
- 3.5 grams of sugar
- 115–120 milligrams of calcium
- 140 milligrams of phosphorus
- 140 milligrams of potassium
- 0.6 milligrams zinc
- 25 milligrams of choline
- 12.5 micrograms selenium
Greek yogurt also contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Various Benefits of Greek Yogurt for Health
The following are some of the benefits of Greek yogurt for body health:
1. Healthy digestive tract
Greek yogurt contains probiotics or good bacteria that play a role in protecting the health of the digestive system from various disease-causing bacteria, such as diarrhea.
Probiotics work by replacing good bacteria that are lost from the body and balancing the number of good and bad bacteria that live in the digestive system. Thus, the digestive tract continues to function normally.
2. Strengthens bones
The content of calcium, protein, and vitamin K in Greek yogurt is good for increasing bone density. This makes Greek yogurt good for consumption by the elderly to prevent osteoporosis.
In addition, the thicker texture of Greek yogurt also makes it easier for people to chew it, especially the elderly.
3. Lose and control weight
Greek yogurt has twice the protein content of other types of yogurt. In addition, Greek yogurt also contains healthy fats that are good for the body.
Thanks to its nutritional content, Greek yogurt can make you feel full longer. No wonder this type of yogurt is good for weight loss and control.
4. Lowering blood pressure
Greek yogurt is a good source of potassium. This mineral is one of the important nutritional intakes that play a role in lowering and controlling blood pressure. Therefore, the consumption of Greek yogurt is good for preventing and controlling hypertension.
However, if you want to get the benefits of this one, you should choose Greek yogurt without flavors and low in fat because it is healthier for the body.
5. Maintain heart health
Greek yogurt is one of the healthy foods that is also good for maintaining heart health.
Several studies have shown that people who regularly eat a healthy diet, including eating Greek yogurt, have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
This is thought to be due to the content of various nutrients in Greek yogurt that can reduce bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus, you will avoid the risk of accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
How to Enjoy Greek Yogurt
Consumption of Greek yogurt can be one of the right choices for those of you who are on a diet program or want to maintain a healthy body.
Greek yogurt can be enjoyed right away, but some people who are not used to the sour taste of yogurt can try eating it with fruits or vegetables. Greek yogurt is also good consumed with whole grain bread at breakfast.
Greek yogurt has various health benefits thanks to the nutritional content in it. You can consume it in several ways above or according to taste.
Greek yogurt is a good choice of food consumed as a healthy food everyday. However, if you have certain conditions, such as having an allergy to yogurt or lactose intolerance, you should consult your doctor before consuming Greek yogurt.