on Oct 6th, 2007Yogurt’s health benefits
Many of us recall the old yogurt commercials on TV showing centenarians in the then-Soviet Union happily eating yogurt, selling us on the unspoken promise of good health and longevity. We’ve known for ages it’s good for us, but ask us to explain exactly why or how and most of us, I suspect, would be at a loss. I certainly was, but now I’ve discovered an enlightening article that spells it out in plain English.
Madelyn Fernstrom, an iVillage contributor and the diet and nutrition editor of NBC’s Today show, goes beyond the general dairy benefits of calcium and protein, listing specific benefits with suggested varieties of yogurt in each case. For instance, for irritable bowel and for constipation, she suggests Yo-Plus, Activia and sugar-free Activia Light. Those three have extra probiotics — good bacteria — which can affect regularity. She notes the controversy here, but points out Activia’s money-back guarantee. (Let that sink in for a moment. Food with a guarantee.)
The yogurt section in many supermarkets is huge these days and I know Fernstrom’s piece will help me to make wiser choices. The full article is here and you can watch her video presentation on that page too. After a brief commercial for a candy bar.
Love yogurt. Love kefir even more. Problem now is that so frequently its loaded with sugar, even the organic ones are chocked full of “organic cane sugar.” Usually, the lower the fat content, the higher the amount of sugar, to compensate for the lack of fat.
A great drink which requires full fat yogurt is lassi, a wonderful Indian drink. Not sure if its appropriate to include a link here, but I offer it for what it is worth. One of the most delicious smoothies on the face of the planet, in India they make this on the street with fresh yogurt and fruit (one must be cautious, of course): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassi
Thanks for a great entry.
Hi! That link’s fine and I welcome it. Unfortunately, I have had to set the moderation level to even one link.
I love kefir and saw many people having it for lunch every day when I was in Moscow a long time ago. And let’s not forget laban/labne, the Arab world’s yogurt.
I love yogurt and often make yogurt cheese as a sub for cream cheese.
Glad you enjoyed the post.
most traditional cultures used yogurt. that says something right there!
kristin, you’re so right!
Fortunately, I like yogurt. It is great to know it is also healthy and will help with a longer life.
I’ve never had kefir or the lassi that bluesmokeofparadise suggested. I am not sure where I would find them where I live. Maybe there is an online site where I could check them out.
jo, try a health food store or food coop for kefir. Some supermarkets carry it, but not in my neck of the woods.
I’d check an Asian store (Indian) for lassi, but you might get lucky at a health food store.