Yogurt is yummy and easy to grab as you walk through grocery aisles trying to make healthy choices. It’s been enjoyed for centuries. It’s made by fermenting milk with live bacteria cultures, which gives yogurt its characteristic creamy texture. Yogurt is thick, it’sit’s versatile, healthy and adds texture to all kinds of dishes. Yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. It is linked to several health benefits.
The making of yogurt
Yogurt is a dairy product, that is made by fermenting milk with live bacteria cultures. These bacteria convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid; this is what gives it a distinct taste and texture.
There are two types of yogurt cultures: mesophilic and thermophilic. The former is when the cultures are active at room temperature, and thermophilic is when the culture requires a warmer environment to grow.
Milk is first heated – to ensure there are no harmful bacteria. Then, the live bacteria are introduced to the milk. After incubating for about 6-12 hours, under a specific temperature, the bacteria cultures ferment and produce yoghurt.
The popularity of yogurt
Yogurt is popular for a lot of reasons. It’s easy to find, easy to make and comes in a lot of lovely flavours. It’s a nutritious food that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s popular because it also helps increase protein intake. It can be eaten plain, with fruit, in smoothies, or even baking. It brings a rich texture that has made it popular in various cuisines.
The versatility of yogurt
The health benefits of yogurt are easy to dive into because of how versatile it is. It can be enjoyed on its own, as a snack or as a part of a meal. Here are a few ways :
- Add some protein to your breakfast with yogurt. Pick the right flavour, add some granola, maybe even slice some fruit, and you have yourself a complete meal.
- Add fruit – you can make frozen yogurt cookies with some yogurt and fruits. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s delicious.
- Smoothie – a smoothie, by theory, is accepting of it all. Some frozen yogurt can help bring out the right scoopable texture in your smoothie.
- Baking – you can bake using yogurt because it replaces items like mayo and oil and provides a healthier alternative.
- Dips and sauces can be made easily with the use of yogurt.
The health benefits of yogurt
There are many health benefits to having yogurt. You can substitute the unhealthier thickening agents with yogurt to consume it more naturally, along with your snacks or meals.
- It’s good for your gut health. Yogurt contains live bacteria cultures that are known as probiotics. This helps maintain the pH and is beneficial and helps keep the gut healthy.
- Yogurt also helps boost the immune system and fight off infections. A dose of healthy bacteria ensures your body doesn’t run out of them.
- Being a low-calorie and high-protein food, it isn’t a shocker that yoghurt helps in weight loss and acts as a dependable energy source.
- Yogurt is a rich source of calcium – it helps with bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Heart health is also maintained as it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
One can have two servings of yogurt every day – this is why it’s often included in balanced diet plans and in thalis. One must, however, try to eat yogurt that is low in sugar or other sweeteners.
Final thoughts
Yoghurt has been enjoyed across cultures because of its versatility. It’s easy to digest, has many health benefits and lets one be assured that they’re consuming healthy bacteria. Yogurt provides beneficial bacteria, protein and calcium. Start reaping the health benefits of yoghurt by incorporating it into your meals today!
Also read – Masala Khichdi: A Symphony of Spices, Lentils, Rice, and Indian Comfort Food
A food enthusiast and a blogger – someone who likes to eat and write about it. I’m passionate about exploring different cuisines and challenging my palette. I give into my food craving regularly and am often on the hunt to find my new favorite food place in town.
