I like yogurt. No, I'm practically in love with yogurt. Yummy!
How is that possible that someone doesn't like yogurt? It has a smooth, silky, shiny softness that you can cut through even with an unarmed teaspoon. It has those millions, or billions, or trillions of bacteria, but, what is the difference in those numbers, anyway. Bacteria that populate your gut and turn the rocky intestines into a beautiful resort for your gut neurotransmitters.
Yogurt is the new superfood and as always its modest health benefits have turned into a myth/panacea in the hands of the eternally creative food industry. As a result, the refrigerated sections of dairy produce in supermarkets are overflowing with new brands of yogurt of every possible flavor and additive in it, from acai berry to granola, from pomegranate to vanilla and honey. And here we go again, Great-Grandma would be shocked if she had seen the variety compared to the homemade yogurt that she used to make in an unlabeled jar. She poured the hot milk and dipped her finger in to check the temperature, added the starter, and snuggled it into an old worn out towel. Lots of plastic and colorful labels and cute names took over the old grandma skill.
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the friendly bacteria in our gut and for many years have been shown not only to aid digestion but to also to protect humans against the all-killing effects of antibiotics. Recent studies also shown a positive effect of yogurt against H. pylori infection. Bacteria in the yogurt also possibly strengthens our immunity. Your bones certainly will benefit from the calcium in the yogurt.
When buying yogurt make sure it has active culture, lacks artificial sweeteners, colors, and high fructose corn syrup. Take the plain yogurt and add some berries, or tangerine slices, nuts and maybe a tablespoon of granola. If you crave something sweeter add a teaspoon of honey.
- Dr. Mariam Manoukian
