Yogurt is made from milk to which healthy bacteria has been added, making it ferment. The milk thickens and takes on a tangy flavor. Yogurt is then strained through cheesecloth that permits the whey part of the milk to drain off. Regular yogurt is strained two times, whilst Greek yogurt is strained thrice to eliminate more whey thus giving a thicker consistency.
Yogurt provides a host of health benefits; however, the nutritional statistics for Greek yogurt and regular yogurt tends to differ.
Nutritional Value Of Greek Yogurt Vs. Regular Yogurt
- Compared to ordinary yogurt, Greek yogurt is found to contain more protein. In a serving of 6 ounces of Greek yogurt, the protein content is about 14 to 18 grams, while ordinary yogurt contains only 10 grams. Greek yogurt’s high protein content makes it a huge favorite amongst people trying to shed surplus weight, given that; it helps avert hunger pangs and makes you feel fuller for longer.
- Both, Greek yogurt as well as regular yogurt is considered excellent sources of calcium.
- Greek yogurt has a far lower calories compared to ordinary yogurt.
- Greek yogurt has lesser carbohydrates than regular yogurt; thereby, making it very beneficial for diabetics.
- Greek yogurt has half the amount of sodium compared to regular yogurt.
- Greek yogurt is definitely much thicker and creamier than regular yogurt since it has been strained more. Also, it can be used in cooking since it does not curdle when heated like regular yogurt.
Health Benefits Of Eating Greek Yogurt
- Greek yogurt is a biologically complete source of protein. In fact, it contains all the essential amino acids that are needed by the body.
- The ample amounts of calcium found in Greek yogurt are beneficial in the development of muscles as well as muscle contraction, which is vital for those in to strenuous physical activities. Importantly, having a bowl of Greek yogurt daily promises you healthy bones and teeth. It will help ward off the development of osteoporosis and arthritis and reduce the occurrence of age related fractures as well. Moreover, calcium is also needed for the synthesis and secretion of hormones. Greek yogurt is an excellent way of meeting the RDA’s minimum requirement of 1000 to 1200 milligrams per day per individual.
- Being an excellent source of pro-biotics (the friendly, healthy, necessary bacterial flora in the gut necessary to break down food), Greek yogurt promotes healthy digestion and assimilation. Pro-biotics are effective in the management of a multitude of health conditions; they help manage lactose intolerance, lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity and defense mechanisms, and decrease discomfort associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- An exceedingly popular and well liked benefit of Greek yogurt is that, eating Greek yogurt helps with weight loss and weight management. It has fewer calories, improves satiety and helps lose pounds of fat easily.
- Consuming Greek yogurt as a snack in place of the chips, candies, and other protein less foods provides a lasting boost of energy without the sugar crash.
- Furthermore Greek yogurt is highly versatile and can be incorporated in to your menu in a number of ways, uncooked or cooked.
- Being low in calories, Greek yogurt can be mixed with other foods to turn them in to healthy snacks.