Treating yourself to some decadent desserts can put you in a good mood and make your day better. But unfortunately, most tasty snacks are filled with sugar and can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions.
If you are craving sweets but want to stay healthy, opt for yogurt instead. It comes in two types: regular yogurt and Greek yogurt. Learn more about their differences and which one is better for your health by using this article as your guide.
How Are Greek Yogurt and Regular Yogurt Made?
Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are cultured or fermented dairy products. Making them involves converting lactose, which is milk’s naturally occurring sugar, into lactic acid.
Both yogurts are made with the same main ingredient, which is fresh milk. They also have Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus as starter cultures. Although these snacks share similar ingredients, they differ in taste, texture, and nutrients because of their preparation process.
Regular yogurt
Regular yogurt is created by heating milk, adding bacteria, and leaving it to ferment until it reaches an acidic pH of 4.5. You can add extra ingredients after it cools to enhance its taste. As you eat it, you will notice that it may be slightly sour due to its acidic nature. It also has a smooth consistency. Since it varies in thickness, it can be drinkable or consumed with a spoon.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is traditionally strained in cloth bags up to three times to remove whey and other liquids from regular yogurt until it reaches the desired consistency and texture. It significantly uses more milk because the straining process reduces the total volume, meaning it is more expensive since it requires more ingredients. The final product is thicker and tangier than regular yogurt.
What Are Their Health Benefits?
Adding this snack to your diet can promote healthy eating and nutrition. Here are some of the health benefits of eating yogurt regularly:
Aids digestion
Regular yogurt and Greek yogurt contain protein and probiotics, which are friendly bacteria found in fermented foods that aid in digestion by balancing your gut microbiome. As a result, they help reduce the risk of inflammation and other illnesses. According to a study, a balanced gut microbiome may strengthen your immunity and protect you against diarrhea, allergies, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
May aid weight loss
Research suggests that yogurt can reduce body fat and weight and prevent weight gain due to probiotics. It helps boost the production of healthy bacteria in your gut, promoting fat distribution, sugar and fat metabolism, and weight management.
In addition, regular yogurt and Greek yogurt are rich in protein. High protein promotes weight loss by producing a prolonged feeling of fullness, which may decrease your calorie intake. Just ensure you read the nutritional facts and list of ingredients since many commercially available yogurt products are packed with loads of added sugar.
Conclusion
Both regular yogurt and Greek yogurt can be healthy for you. If you are figuring out which one is better, it depends on your preferences, budget, and health and fitness goals. To learn more about these snacks, do your research and read healthcare news from trusted sources like us.
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