Just about everything you see in the supermarket can be made from scratch whether that’s a food item or something like dishwashing liquid. I want to highlight just how good Greek yoghurt is for it’s nutrients and how to use it.
Greek yoghurt nutrients & health benefits
Higher protein content
The reason why Greek yoghurt has more health benefits than regular yoghurt is because it contains more protein. According to Prevention.com, 170 grams of Greek yoghurt has the same amount of protein of 85 grams of red meat.
This means that eating Greek yoghurt as a snack will help you feel fuller for longer. It’s also great for vegetarian recipes when you’re looking at increasing your protein intake.
Low in calories
There are approximately 61 calories in 100 grams of full fat Greek yoghurt. This makes it the perfect addition to a healthy diet.
Because of the versality of Greek yoghurt in so many different recipes, it’s the perfect ingredient for so many different healthy meals. It also makes the perfect substitute for higher fat options like sour cream, cream and mayonnaise.
Contains good fats
Depending on which advice you read and what time of the year, everyone has their opinion about full fat or low fat when it comes to dairy products and in particular, Greek yoghurt.
One minute caffeine is good for you and then it’s not. The experts are forever changing their minds but my opinion has always been ingredients that have had the least amount of processing done, will always be best for you.
If you do choose a low fat Greek yoghurt, check the sugar (or carbohydrates) content as sugar is often added to low fat Greek yoghurt. Also, if you buy flavoured Greek yoghurts, more sugar is often added in the way of flavouring that’s why I always buy the plain full fat Greek yoghurt and I can use it in sweet or savoury recipes.
Vitamins and Minerals
Full fat Greek yoghurt contains nearly every nutrient you need in a well balanced diet.
Greek yoghurt made from whole milk contains Vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin (Vitamin B2).
Probiotics
When we started tampering with our diets and eating more low fat, processed foods, our overall health suffered and obesity is at an all time high.
This also upset the natural balance of good and bad bacteria found in our digestive system. With the introduction of probiotics in the form of supplements, it helped regulate the bacteria found in our guts but this probiotic is found naturally in Greek yoghurt due to the live and active cultures found in the yoghurt.
Benefits of these probiotics include enhanced immune system, lower cholesterol, vitamin synthesis, relieve the symptoms of Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS), protection against both diarrhea and constipation and lessening the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Other health benefits
Because of the calcium found in Greek yoghurt, it is beneficial for bone health and osteoporosis and has been known to lower blood pressure in those people suffering from high blood pressure.
Make your own Greek yoghurt
You can make your own Greek yoghurt in many ways but if you always have it on hand it can be made into so many other things you buy.
- Make your own flavoured yoghurts with blended or chopped fruit. Sweeten with a little honey or syrup. Great for school lunch boxes for the kids and will save you a packet on the yoghurt pouches.
- Make your own pizza bases, tortillas, flat breads, Indian breads etc. I usually use a ratio of 1.5 cups of any flour to 1 cup of yoghurt. Double or triple as required.
- Frozen yoghurt treats: mix yoghurt with your favourite fruits and freeze as ice blocks or ice cream for any icy sweet treat.
- Add to cakes for a lovely textured cake. I have made many cakes as per the recipe and then added any leftover yoghurt to the cake and it’s turned out beautifully.
- Make your own ricotta, labna or other soft cheese. Wrap yoghurt in a clean cloth (like Chux or muslin fabric) and hang over a dish until the liquid has drained. Use in any recipe as desired.
- Add to smoothies for extra creaminess and a protein boost.
- Use instead of sour cream or mayo for a healthier version.
- Use as a meat marinade eg Indian Tandoori or Greek dish.
- Add to hummus, guacamole or make your own dips. Add corn relish, gherkin relish or a packet of French Onion soup.
- Perfect as a beauty treatment for your skin and hair. Check out these 10 ways to incorporate yoghurt into your beauty regime.
Are you going to include Greek yoghurt into your daily meal plan or beauty regime?
