Contents
What does yogurt provide for the body?
Advantages of eating yogurt
In addition to the healing properties of yogurt due to its probiotic effect, one of the greatest qualities of yogurt is its good source of calcium.
The calcium present in yogurt has dissolved in lactic acid, thus becoming more absorbable for our digestive system and for its easy subsequent passage to our entire body.
Therefore, yogurt is an essential ally for strengthening bones and teeth. It prevents osteoporosis, aids in childhood and adolescent growth, and facilitates bone healing in cases of fissures, fractures, etc.
But calcium is not only a good ally of the bones. It has been shown that a calcium deficiency can be responsible for circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, apoplexy, or leg cramps. Similarly, calcium helps heal wounds.
Minerals in yogurt
In addition to calcium, yogurt provides energy and other essential nutrients. It is a source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Vitamins in yogurt
As for vitamins, it contains vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin D (in varying amounts depending on the milk with which it is made), indispensable substances for the proper functioning of the body.
Due to its vitamin B content, it is very interesting for keeping the health of the mind and nerves in good condition. Vitamin B strengthens the immune system, produces energy from food, take care of cardiovascular health, and is necessary for the formation of numerous enzymes, proteins, and hormones.
Due to its vitamin D content, in addition to other properties, it helps the body to better absorb calcium.
Why should you eat yogurt?
Eating yogurt is advantageous in preventing the development of abnormalities caused by vitamin A deficiency, among which we can mention the following:
- Stunted growth
- Brittle nails, slow-growing nails
- Defective teeth
- Dry hair, brittle hair, slow hair growth
- Dry skin, rough skin, skin rashes, flaky skin, wrinkles
- Night blindness, vision loss, dry eyes
How many yogurts are recommended per day?
For adults over 20 years of age, 1000mg of calcium per day is recommended, which is covered by 4 servings of dairy products. A couple of yogurts a day provide one serving of dairy.
Two or three yogurts a day, combined with other dairy products, could cover your daily calcium needs. Furthermore, you shouldn’t forget that there are other foods besides dairy that also contain calcium (See Foods rich in calcium).
When should yogurt consumption be increased?
Yogurt consumption should be increased when suffering from:
- Intestinal diseases: For example, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the consumption of yogurt is recommended due to its probiotic effect, due to its live microorganisms, which help to repopulate the intestinal flora.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a disease caused by a decrease in bone mass (loss of minerals in the bones), which leads to porosity in the bones and increased susceptibility to fractures. This is all caused by an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. Therefore, yogurt consumption is recommended due to its high calcium content.
- Weak or brittle teeth: Teeth are made of calcium, and therefore, adequate yogurt consumption provides the necessary amount of this mineral to maintain the structure and strength of teeth, preventing potential long-term problems.
- Blood calcium levels: To maintain blood calcium levels and avoid causing decalcification in other parts of the body to keep these levels stable, a proper intake of calcium in the daily diet is necessary.
- Prolonged immobilization: In these cases, bone calcium loss is very high. Therefore, adequate consumption of yogurt and other dairy products is recommended to provide this mineral and prevent deficiencies. These types of conditions that require immobilization also cause constipation, which can be alleviated thanks to their bowel-regulating properties. Therefore, their consumption is also recommended in cases of diarrhea.
- Low immunity: In case of problems in the immune system, the consumption of yogurts is recommended due to their probiotic effect and their content of bifidobacteria, which help to maintain the intestinal flora and stimulate defenses.
- Different stages of life: The consumption of yogurts and other dairy products is recommended during all stages of life, but there are some situations where their consumption is recommended to be higher, to ensure that all needs are met, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding and in the case of older people, especially women during menopause.
Can you eat yogurt all the time?
Although yogurt is a very rich, nutritious, and easily digestible food, there are certain situations in which the consumption of yogurt and other dairy products should be controlled or even avoided. (More information)
