Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Benefits of Greek Yogurt

One of our readers emailed me to ask if I had any information about Greek yogurt. I told her, "Other than eating it, and knowing it's good for you, no!"  I decided to read up on it, and I thought this was the best article to explain the health benefits of Greek yogurt.  We all love the taste and love the fact that there are no artificial sweeteners in it.

If you are tired of regular yogurt or looking for something thicker and creamer, try Greek yogurt. This yogurt has many benefits along with a taste that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. It can be used the same way as regular yogurt is, including as a snack, in recipes, desserts and smoothies. It comes in the same flavors or plain. There are benefits to eating Greek yogurt, and comparing it to regular yogurt can help you choose which one is best for your dietary needs.

Protein

Greek yogurt can have twice as much protein as regular yogurt. The extra protein will help you feel full and leave you feeling satisfied. Commercial Greek yogurts at supermarkets have almost double the protein content of standard yogurt brands. One cup of plain, low-fat conventional yogurt usually contains 5 to 10 grams of protein, where Greek yogurt averages about 13 to 20 grams of protein.

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Sodium

Salt is a big red flag, and many consumers are looking for lower in salt items. According to the USDA, Greek yogurt has less sodium by up to 50 percent. Plus, it still has a full-bodied taste without the high sodium content.

Low in Carbohydrates

If you are watching your carbohydrate intake or have a sensitivity to carbohydrates like diabetes, then Greek yogurt is your ticket. Regular yogurts have 15 to 17 grams of carbohydrates per cup, where Greek yogurt averages around 9 grams.

Easy to Digest

Because Greek yogurt contains less carbohydrates than regular yogurt, it has less lactose, the sugar in dairy products that can sometimes upset people's stomachs. This is especially helpful for people who have lactose intolerance.

Versatility

Greek yogurt can be used for many dishes including savory and sweet. Due to its thick texture and rich taste, many people use it as a substitute for milk, sour cream and even use it for baking.

Texture

Greek yogurt has a smooth, rich and thick consistency. Part of what makes Greek yogurt different than regular yogurt is that it is strained to remove the whey. When whey is removed, so is water, which creates a thicker, more substantial yogurt product. This is why Greek yogurt is so popular because of the satisfaction after eating something creamy and smooth.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/86488-benefits-greek-yogurt/#ixzz0p9YN7vyS