I love yogurt not just because it’s delicious but also because it’s healthy for the body and the skin. Yogurt is a good source of both protein and calcium. It’s also easier to digest than milk, which is great news for people who are lactose intolerant. Probiotics in yogurt boost the friendly bacteria in our large intestine to help promote a healthy digestive system and give our immune system a nudge.
Unfortunately, the science is tricky. While scientists agree that beneficial bacteria help us digest food, make vitamins, even help protect us from harmful pathogens, it’s still not clear which live micro-organisms, or probiotics, are helpful. Yet, if you walk down the grocery aisle, you’ll find hundreds of specialty yogurts made with specific strains of probiotics. Many of the products have never been studied and it’s not clear whether different people need different strains, or whether some strains are more beneficial. A lot of the research for marketed brands has been supported by manufacturers and while I hate to be cynical, it’s hard to swallow the marketing jargon in full.
So how do you choose one at the grocery store? The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Apart from deciding on which flavor – do we pick non-fat, low-fat, or full fat? Would you like Swiss (or stirred, which is the creamy consistency most of us are familiar with), Balkan (or set-style, often with the fruit on the bottom) or Greek (strained to remove excess liquid whey, Greek yogurt is incredibly thick, rich and creamy. Its popularity has exploded in recent years)? Your selection will depend on your personal preference but you should probably stay away from brands that contain thickening agents such as cornstarch, sweeteners (whether natural or not – don’t we already have enough sugar in our lives?) or stabilizers such as gelatin or carrageenan, which just add unnecessary ingredients.
My personal favorite? Plain Greek yogurt. Yes, it’s full fat, but fat makes us feel satisfied. That means I’m happy with a smaller serving. Plain Greek yogurt can be spruced up with berries, nuts or coconut, making for a rich and indulgent dessert. I also like adding a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to spice things up. As an added bonus, plain yogurt serves as an excellent base for a face mask. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps exfoliate, leaving your skin soft and smooth. For a bit of at home pampering, mix two tablespoons of yogurt together with a teaspoon of honey. Leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water, pat dry your face and moisturize. For an extra indulgent (and antioxidant) version, add cocoa powder to the yogurt. Try not to lick it off before the 20 minutes are up.
