The Awesomeness of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it became popular in the United States.

This special form of yogurt first hit the US market in 1998, but you probably weren’t aware of it until 2005 when Chobani suddenly appeared. By 2013, Greek yogurt occupied 44% of the yogurt market in the US.

Why are we talking about Greek yogurt? Because it’s healthy, that’s why! And you never know when or from what source you’ll learn something that’ll positively influence your diet.

What’s the difference between Greek yogurt and “regular” yogurt?

Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are fermented dairy products that are made by converting lactose, milk’s naturally occurring sugar, into lactic acid using certain bacteria called starter cultures.

The main difference between the two is that Greek yogurt is strained to remove the whey and other liquids from regular yogurt, making it much thicker and tangier than regular yogurt.

Okay, but is one more nutritious than the other?

To answer your question, take a look at this table comparing the nutritional content of 8 ounces (245 grams) of low-fat Greek yogurt and low-fat regular yogurt

As you can see, Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt. However, regular yogurt tends to have fewer calories and more calcium than Greek yogurt. Both types of yogurt are packed with high-quality nutrients and offer multiple health benefits.

What are the health benefits of Greek yogurt?

Here are some of the potential health benefits of Greek yogurt:

1. Improves bone health

Greek yogurt is rich in calcium and protein, both of which are essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

2. Reduces appetite and hunger

Greek yogurt is protein-rich, so it may help people feel fuller for longer. Research suggests that people may eat less throughout the day after a meal that is high in protein.

3. Boosts metabolism

Eating a high-protein diet may increase the number of calories a person burns per day. It is best to include some protein with every meal. Despite its protein content, eating Greek yogurt alone is unlikely to make a person burn more calories. But eating Greek yogurt, as part of a balanced diet that includes enough protein, fibrous carbohydrates, and healthful fats may aid weight loss and boost metabolism.

4. Improves gut health

Greek yogurt is a source of probiotics that support gut health. Probiotics are good bacteria that may restore a healthy bacterial balance within the gut. However, recent research raises questions about these benefits. It is possible that not everyone responds to probiotics in the same way.

5. Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

Greek yogurt is lower in sugar than regular yogurt, making it a better option for people with type 2 diabetes. It also contains potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

6. Aids muscle growth

Greek yogurt is high in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It also contains the amino acid leucine, which plays a key role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

It’s important to note that not all Greek yogurts are created equal.

• Some manufacturers add thickening agents to regular yogurt and market it as Greek-style yogurt, which may not share the same health benefits as Greek yogurt
• Low or no-fat Greek yogurt may not share the same health benefits as traditional Greek yogurt

I think Greek yogurt is yucky; what are some alternatives?

Since yogurt is commonly used as a high-protein snack, here are some other food items that’re also high in protein: