I blog about topics that I get the most questions about from clients and friends. Yogurt, and whether or not it is healthy for us is definitely one of the things I am asked about frequently. Is yogurt good for me? What is Greek yogurt? Is it better? What are probiotics? Is that stuff on TV good for me? If so, why does it have so much sugar? These are AWESOME questions! It means people are paying attention to what they're putting in their bodies, and that makes me oh, so happy!
Is yogurt good for me? I'm not a real big fan of dairy personally, but the short answer is yes - if you're eating GOOD QUALITY yogurt, and if your body likes it (i.e. if you've got dairy intolerances...guess what...it's not good for you!) Yogurt has calcium, protein, magnesium, b vitamins, and some yogurts even have probiotics. It is important to be mindful and pay attention to the actual content levels of these probiotics in yogurts, and which of these friendly bacteria area in the product. It's very easy to be tricked and confused by all the crap that's out there now on the shelves and the claims that are made regarding yogurts and probiotics. In fact, if the ONLY reason you're eating yogurt is for probiotics, you might be better off buying a probiotic supplement instead.
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive system, and are often referred to as "friendly" bacteria. They're thought to improve health by suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria, improving immune function, and enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract. A healthy gastrointestinal tract is absolutely an important part of your immune system and overall health. Some of us have perfectly happy digestive tracts and do not need additional probiotics in our diet, so you might not even need the extra. Some people notice many improvements in their health after introducing probiotics, and see benefits from using them for things like yeast infections, immune support, Chrons disease, IBS, and more. Everyone's body is different, so just because the Zombie (aka - TV) tells you that you need more, doesn't necessarily mean your body needs it. Some people experience discomfort when taking probiotics (gas), and people who have an inadequate immune response should speak to a doctor before taking them.
A big thing to pay attention to if you're going to the supermarket to pick up some yogurt is the sugar content in the product you're eyeballing. Yogurt usually has a LOT of sugar in it, especially the low fat varieties. When fat is removed from dairy, it is typically replaced with sugar to give it more flavor (enter: we're fatter than we have ever been since the low fat craze). In fact, that skim milk you're drinking that you think is so good for you has a higher glycemic index than 1%, 2% or whole milk. Yay more sugar. Key-ripes!! Look to avoid my nemesis, high fructose corn syrup as well, otherwise known as glucose-fructose when buying yogurt.
I think the best bet when buying any type of yogurt is to reach for something whole and organic. You can get it plain, and add some liquid honey to sweeten it, stevia, or fresh fruit. A Greek yogurt is good too - it's usually more filling and rich than a regular yogurt, and very tasty. Traditionally, it is made with sheep's milk, but In North America, "Greek-style" yogurt is made with cows milk, is similar to strained yogurt, and has thickening agents added. Recently Yoplait has jumped on the Greek yogurt bandwagon - please do not be fooled by that shite - just read the ingredients - that should do it. I go back to the whole "if it was advertised on television, don't buy it" rule from Michael Pollan. You may find when you eat whole, organic yogurt that you eat less of it than the regular sugar- filled, empty-calorie crap we see so much of out there. You get full faster and your body stops looking for more. Hmm...there really might be something to this whole eating mindfully bit.
If you're looking for additional info, I've attached a couple of links here about probiotics, yogurt, and..egads!! Even some reports on class action lawsuits filed against Danone for health claims about their yogurt! Scandalous!
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080124/danone_080124/20080124?hub=Health
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/health/29well.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/an00389
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