Yogurt: King Of The Dairy Aisle

Ice-cream was once hot. It was the go-to dessert, best midnight snack, and the remedy for sadness. But like most treats, the better it tastes the more damage it does to our health… Until yogurt that is. The heat is now on the sweet delight that’s loaded with health benefits. According to an article from Lea Ann Holzmeister, RD, CDE, “Yogurt is made by bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used are called cultures. These beneficial cultures are sometimes called probiotics.” Probiotic improves health. More people are realizing all the good stuff yogurt has to offer, and they want a cut. It is clear that manufacturers and grocery chains are taking notice too since this milk base product is dominating the dairy aisles.

With so many variations and flavor, satisfaction is guaranteed for everyone. There are varieties such as high fiber, lactose free, carb-and-sugar control, soy, and dessert yogurt. The textures include Greek, fruit blends, parfait-style, custard-style, and whipped. No longer are their taste limited to just fruit flavors, Yoplait has taken this dairy product to another level with wild assortments like Boston cream pie, pumpkin cheesecake, coffee, and key lime pie. Wait, there’s more. Not all yogurt are equally healthy. There are some that’s packed with carbohydrates, sugar, and whole milk. However, for those health-nuts who want to indulge, there are low-fat, nonfat, and light options. Either way, this sweet treat is a naturally good source of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and calcium.

WebMD also states that this tasty snack is known to help certain gastrointestinal conditions, including lactose intolerance and constipation. It helps individuals feel fuller longer too, since it’s high in protein. Amazingly, something so tasty can be good for us as well. Yogurt is also very versatile. It can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert; it can also be added to salad, smoothies, and as a substitute in many recipes. With all that being said, let’s be mindful of over-indulgence. While yogurt can satisfy hunger, and have such great health advantages, it does nothing for our spiritual lives. “But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.” (1 Corinthians 8:8) So while we gratify our taste-buds, let’s never forget to nourish our relationship with God.

References: Elaine Magee, MPH, RD. The Benefits of Yogurt. Retrieved from www.webmd.com
Lea Ann Holzmeister, RD, CDE (2014). Yogurt. Retrieved from Diabetes Self-Management Magazine.