3 Major Misconceptions About Drinking Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most common foods in modern society. Due to its good taste, it has gradually been accepted by many people, and some even use it as a substitute for milk. Because yogurt is rich in nutrients, can replenish energy at any time, and can also supplement calcium, regulate the digestive system, and more, it has become a popular food among some women, who even eat it as a snack. So, can you really drink yogurt whenever you want? Are there any misconceptions involved?
Misconception 1: Confusing Yogurt with Yogurt Drinks
Major supermarkets sell a wide variety of yogurts and yogurt drinks, which can be confusing for consumers. You might go to the store intending to buy yogurt, but accidentally pick up a yogurt drink instead. According to experts from the Sichuan Nutrition Society, modern people still have some misconceptions about yogurt. Yogurt is made from high-quality milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria and is essentially a type of milk. Yogurt drinks, on the other hand, are just a type of beverage and are no longer milk. The nutritional content of the two is vastly different. According to dairy industry regulations, 100 grams of yogurt must contain ≥2.9 grams of protein, whereas yogurt drinks only contain about 1 gram of protein. Yogurt drinks can be consumed to cool off and quench thirst, and they have some nutritional value while doing so, but they should absolutely not be used as a substitute for milk or yogurt.
Misconception 2: Yogurt Can Be Drunk Like Any Other Beverage
Many people treat yogurt like a snack and drink it随意ly throughout the day. Nutrition experts believe this is also a misconception. When drinking yogurt, it's important to do so in moderation; otherwise, it can easily lead to excessive stomach acid, affecting the gastric mucosa and the secretion of digestive enzymes, and reducing appetite. This is especially true for people who already have excess stomach acid, often feel weak and cold in the spleen and stomach, or experience bloating, as they should not drink too much. For healthy individuals, consuming about 250-500 grams per day is appropriate.
Misconception 3: Yogurt is More Nutritious Than Milk
Many people believe that milk becomes more nutritious after being fermented into yogurt. In fact, from a nutritional value perspective, the difference between the two is not significant. However, compared to milk, yogurt is easier to digest and absorb, which increases the utilization rate of its nutrients. Furthermore, most of the sugar in milk is lactose. Some adults lack the enzyme lactase in their digestive juices, which affects the digestion, absorption, and utilization of lactose, causing stomach discomfort or even diarrhea after drinking milk, a condition known as "lactose intolerance." In such cases, yogurt can be used as a substitute for milk. For those with lactose intolerance, consuming milk along with some starchy foods can also alleviate these symptoms.