Yogurt

Plain yogurt is often low in fats and rich in protein, not to mention a variety of healthy vitamins and minerals. Yogurts with fruit or nuts may also be rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Refer to the calorie calculator for your favorite yogurt to determine the nutritional value.

Sugar Content

When shopping for yogurt, you need to be very careful about checking the food label. Many types of yogurt contain large quantities of sugar – many yogurts actually contain more sugar per serving than a Twinkie! According to the American Heart Association, you should consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day. Many Yoplait fruit-flavored and Dannon Fruit-on-the-Bottom yogurts contain 25 or 26 grams of sugar.

Vitamins and Minerals

Though yogurt can be high in sugar, it is also a valuable source of essential vitamins and minerals. Because yogurt is a dairy product derived from milk, it contains a great deal of calcium and Vitamin D. Other vitamins and minerals found in yogurt may include potassium, phosphorus, iodine, zine, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B12.

Yogurt has the potential to provide a wide variety of health benefits including improved digestion and lowered blood pressure. Refer to the calorie counter for your favorite yogurt to determine the nutritional value.

Improved Digestive Health

In addition to being loaded with healthy nutrients, yogurt also contain probiotic bacteria which helps to support gut health and digestion. Look for the words “contains live and active culture” on the package when shopping for yogurt to make sure you get the maximum benefit. The right probiotics not only help to support healthy digestion, but they may improve immune system health as well.

Reduced Blood Pressure

Many types of yogurt are low in fats and rich in protein as well as other healthy nutrients. This combination of factors may help to prevent high blood pressure. One of the most valuable nutrients in yogurt for blood pressure, however, is potassium. Potassium helps to counteract the excess sodium you consume which could contribute to hypertension and heart disease.