Why Active Women Love Yoghurt -

Let’s face it, yoghurt is one of those happy healthy foods that give us all pleasure and it is so easy to include delicious and versatile yoghurt as part of our daily diet. Interestingly, research has shown that women who regularly consume yoghurt tend to make many more other healthier eating choices, suggesting that eating yoghurt is a gateway to a better quality diet and a more optimal lifestyle.

Yoghurt is a particularly nutrient-dense food providing high amounts of quality protein and bone-building calcium as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B₁₂ and B₂. According to a 2013 Nutrition Research study, women who regularly consume yoghurt tend towards healthier eating in general and experience specific benefits including:

Lower risks of disease – eating yoghurt often is associated with lower blood glucose and lower blood pressure reducing the risks of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease

Filling the nutrient gaps – daily consumption of yoghurt helps women to achieve their required protein intake, which increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who eat yoghurt regularly are also less likely to develop deficiencies in potassium, calcium, zinc, and the B vitamins.

Weight maintenance and appetite control – due to its quality protein, including yoghurt in meals and especially as snacks helps you to feel fuller for longer and can help to manage weight and control appetite.

Love yoghurt for your gut and immune response

“There’s an array of research that shows that the healthy bacteria, probiotics, in fermented foods like yoghurt improve the community of microbes in the gut, known as the gut microbiota. Regular consumption of yoghurt can improve overall gut health and can contribute to a range of positive health benefits, such as reducing chronic inflammation which is linked to diseases like diabetes and heart disease and relieving gut discomfort”, says Maretha Vermaak, a registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy. “Our gut microbiota is also pivotal to our bodies’ immune response and one of the best ways to support the immune system is maintaining a healthy gut.”

How yoghurt replenishes your body post-workout

There’s growing awareness that what you consume after physical activity matters. It might be surprising to some, but yoghurt is an ideal post-workout snack or drink. The high protein content helps to repair and build lean muscle, the calcium protects your bone health while potassium, phosphorus, and zinc help tired muscles recover and can prevent muscle cramping. If you don’t feel like actually eating after your workout, yoghurt is an excellent base for a healthful smoothie and it makes a great and refreshing frozen treat.

Loving yoghurt in many different ways

For many women, the sheer versatility of yoghurt is a great advantage. While it works well added to morning oats, cereals, and fruits, it is far from limited to breakfast food. It is ideal on its own as a quick, satisfying morning or afternoon snack; perfect for all-day smoothies on the go; delicious in a dip, or as a spread or topping. Yoghurt is also a common ingredient in main dishes from a variety of international cuisines and can be added to soups, stews, wraps, stir-fries, vegetable dishes, and even home-baked goods.