Yogurt has always been a dietary superstar and is considered a healthy choice for breakfast. This grab-and-go food is popular in every part of the world – it needs no preparation and still provides you with a long list of nutrients. You may already be aware of the fact that yogurt is good, but you may not know the exact benefits. Be ready to get surprised!

Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is easy on your digestive system and is therefore suitable for most people. However, there are many interesting reasons to include it in your diet.

1. It Improves Digestion

Yogurt contains good bacteria that will always help improve your digestive system. With better digestion, you are more likely to stay healthy and have fewer gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomachaches. Just a cup of low-fat yogurt a day will keep your digestive system in top working condition.

2. It Improves Immune System

Some studies have found that eating two cups of yogurt with live cultures improves immunity in three months. It happens because of the good bacteria found in yogurt. They strengthen your intestine and make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients from food. Be sure to opt for yogurt with live cultures to boost your immune system.

3. It Lowers Risk of Colon Cancer

One of many benefits of yogurt is that it keeps your colon healthy. Yogurt contains intestine-friendly bacteria called lactobacillus bacteria that lower your risk of colon diseases. These good bacteria work by eliminating harmful microorganisms from your system. Moreover, the calcium in yogurt attaches itself to cancer-producing bile acids and eliminates them from your system. Consider eating yogurt the first thing in the morning to ensure your colon stays healthy.

4. It Helps Lose Weight

You will be able to lose weight quickly when you include yogurt in your diet. The good bacteria in yogurt not only improve digestion but boost metabolism as well. It also helps make you feel full and keep hunger pangs at bay. Yogurt also contains calcium that signals fat cells to limit the release of cortisol, which makes it easier to lose weight.

5. It Promotes Muscle Recovery

Yogurt is a rich source of protein, which is why it is a great snack soon after you finish your workout session. Greek yogurt is even better because of its higher protein content. You need to increase your protein intake to get amino acids essential for muscle recovery. You will also be able to replenish your energy because yogurt also provides you with carbohydrates.

6. It Lowers Hypertension

Including yogurt in your diet is a great way to regulate blood pressure. Just keep in mind that you should eat in moderation when you have hypertension, and it is better to opt for low-fat alternatives to get good results.

7. It Improves Oral Health

One of many benefits of yogurt is that it is good for your oral health, and that is mainly due to its high calcium content. It also provides you with protein to keep your gums healthy. There is also lactic acid in yogurt that protects your gums, whereas good bacteria in yogurt prevent bad breath. You just need to eat two ounces of yogurt daily to reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease.

8. It is Rich in Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for your overall health, and yogurt provides you with quite a few of them. It contains vitamin B2, which is important for the health of your eyes, nerves, and skin. It has vitamin B12, which is important for your bone health. Moreover, it has vitamin E, which is essential for your skin. You also get vitamin D from yogurt, which helps improve your skeletal health.

9. It Improves Bone Health

Yogurt is beneficial for your bone health mainly because it is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It is better than milk because milk contains calcium but is quite difficult for some people to digest completely. Yogurt is a better choice because it provides you with all those minerals that are available in milk but is also easy on your digestive system. Thanks to its calcium content, it is also good for people suffering from rheumatism and osteoporosis.

10. It Is Suitable for People with Lactose Intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, you cannot drink milk because your body does not have the enzyme required to break down lactase found in milk. It is mainly because of the presence of good bacteria in yogurt that make it easier for you to digest lactose.

11. It Helps Lower Cholesterol

You already know that one of many benefits of yogurt is that it lowers blood pressure, but you can also include it in your diet to lower cholesterol. Fried, fatty, and sweet food products can make your cholesterol levels to go up, but the good bacteria in yogurt can help in this regard.

12. It Improves Your Nervous System

Just by having 8 ounce of yogurt a day, you get loads of phosphorus, potassium, iodine, riboflavin, vitamin B5, and zinc. There is also loads of vitamin B12 in yogurt, which helps maintain red blood cells and keep your nervous system healthy. It is important to note that vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, which means that you will be deficient in it if you are a vegan. Including one serving of yogurt in your diet will help resolve the issue.