Yogurt
A dairy product created by fermenting milk using yogurt cultures, yogurt provides calcium and protein. It can also enhance the bacteria in your gut. Its health benefits range from relieving irritable bowels to protecting against conditions like osteoporosis. These products often begin as cream or fresh milk. They’re usually pasteurized first before they’re fermented using live bacteria and incubated to encourage the growth of the cultures at specific temperatures.
Yogurt’s most well-known benefits are probiotics, which are healthy types of bacteria that aid in regulating your digestive system and decreasing episodes of gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Research also suggests that it may boost your immune system, reduce cancer risks, and make weight management easier. It also has a high calcium content, which is essential in the maintenance and development of healthy teeth and bones. When they’re paired with vitamin D, it makes the absorption of calcium more effective.
However, there are some precautions when eating yogurt products, especially for those with compromised immune systems. While rare, the live bacteria within yogurt can potentially cause conditions in those whose immune systems aren’t functioning normally. It’s also ill-advised for people with lactose intolerance or those allergic to yogurt to consume the product.
