By Donna V. Scaglione
What’s not to love about yogurt? It tastes great, makes for a satisfying snack, and is easy to take on the go. Best of all, it’s good for you. Many brands of yogurt contain so-called “good” bacteria that help maintain digestive health.
And since yogurt is a milk product it offers calcium and protein as well as other nutrients found in dairy foods like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B-2 and B-12.
Not all yogurts are the same. If they were, you wouldn’t see all those brands on your supermarket shelf. When choosing, consider the flavor and texture you’re looking for, as well as the nutritious punch you’d like it to pack. Here’s some help in deciding.
1. Probiotics
Chances are that if you have been paying attention to yogurt you’ve heard the term “probiotic,” a word of Greek origin meaning “for life.” Probiotics are living micro-organisms, usually bacteria, that are like the micro-organisms naturally found in the human gut, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains. They are also known as “good” or “friendly” bacteria and are in foods, like yogurt, and dietary supplements.
Research has shown that probiotics work to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal organisms and aid in digestive and immune function, according to WebMD.com. Yogurts containing probiotics are those that say “live and active cultures” on their labels.
