Should You Go Greek? Yogurt, That Is!
By Sara Butler
Greek yogurt has become a pretty popular thing in the last few years among the health conscious, and it’s often touted as a healthier alternative to regular yogurt. But how do they really compare? Here’s a breakdown of regular yogurt and Greek yogurt so you can find the right kind for you!
What Makes Greek Yogurt Different?
Greek yogurt has gone through a process where the whey is removed, making it thicker. Whey is the watery part of the milk used to make yogurt. When they make Greek yogurt, they allow the yogurt to rest over a strainer of some kind, usually fabric, to drain away the excess moisture and whey.
How Does This Make Greek Yogurt Different?
When the whey is strained away, so is a lot of the extra lactose, or milk sugar, in the yogurt. This means that the texture is thicker and the nutritional profile is a bit different, with less sugar in the Greek variety. It also makes it slightly lower in carbohydrates and calcium than regular yogurt.
The Benefits of Greek Yogurt
There are a few factors that make Greek yogurt a bit more beneficial than regular yogurt. These factors include:
- More protein
- Lower in carbohydrates
- Healthy for your gut
- Good source of Vitamin B12
- Less lactose
The problem is that not all Greek yogurts are created equal. Different processing methods and added ingredients can change the health benefits of this type of yogurt.
So, Should You Go Greek?
The good news is that if you prefer regular yogurt, you don’t have to switch over to be healthier. Both Greek and regular yogurt can be a part of a balanced and healthy diet. You should know that Greek yogurt generally has more protein than regular yogurt, which can help you to feel satisfied for longer after you eat it. But you do have to watch out for any added ingredients to any type of yogurt.
You should look out for added sugars in any type of yogurt you eat, and also make sure there are live active cultures in what you eat to improve your gut health. To choose the healthiest yogurt, find one that has live cultures and milk on the ingredients label – and not much else. The less sugar and added ingredients you can find in your yogurt, the better for your health it will be.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
