Adding Yogurt to Your Health Food List
By Brandi Goodman
Yogurt is a great choice when you're looking for something healthy to eat. With National Frozen Yogurt Day arriving in early February, now is the perfect time to read up on just why yogurt makes a healthy addition to your food list. The treat can offer some major health benefits if you get it from the right sources.
Low-fat Yogurt
Full-fat yogurt is not the best to eat on a regular basis. It has far too much fat that can lead to weight gain if people aren't careful. Though it still offers health benefits, choosing a low-fat yogurt option is key. This ensures you aren't getting as much of the fat while still receiving the helpful benefits that the treat has to offer.
Frozen Yogurt
Ice cream is a popular dessert that many enjoy. However, it has far too many calories, too much sugar, and too much fat. Frozen yogurt makes a healthier alternative that allows people to still get the cold treat they desire. It provides some protein, calcium, and vitamins.
Yogurt Parfait
Another great option is the yogurt parfait. This combines yogurt with other health foods, making it an optimal treat for improving well-being. Many yogurt parfaits involve a low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt with berries and granola. Granola contains fiber that aids in digestion while berries contain antioxidants that work to fight off disease. Combined with the nutrients in yogurt, you can't go wrong with this treat option.
Understanding the Benefits of Yogurt
No matter which option you choose each day, you should understand which benefits you're receiving. Yogurt contains lots of beneficial nutrients. It has lots of calcium, which helps maintain strong bones. There are also plenty of B vitamins necessary for protecting against heart disease and reducing bad levels of cholesterol. Phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium are also present in yogurt.
Protein is another essential component of yogurt. You need to be careful, however, of which yogurt you're choosing. Some have just a couple of grams of protein while others have 10 or more. Greek yogurt is one of the best options because it frequently offers higher doses of protein. This will keep you full and prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods. It's an excellent option for breakfast or a snack.
Yogurt makes an excellent addition to your health food list as long as you're making the right choices with the food. There are healthy yogurt options and some not so great choices, so be aware. Speak with your chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic about additional food options that should be on your menu. The more healthy foods you eat, the better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.