Introduction: Although everyone knows that yogurt is good for you, how exactly do we choose the yogurt that's right for us?
First, let's understand the types of yogurt available on the market:
Yogurt with fruit pieces, old-style yogurt, probiotic yogurt drinks, children's yogurt, plain yogurt, and more.
Second, what are the benefits of drinking yogurt?
1. It can prevent diarrhea.
When some harmful bacteria from our food enter the small and large intestines, they can easily cause diseases such as enteritis. In such cases, doctors recommend drinking high-quality yogurt with many live bacteria, but not pure milk or soy milk.
2. It can reduce radiation damage.
Nutrition experts have conducted experiments that prove yogurt can help reduce radiation damage.
3. It can promote nutrient absorption.
The lactic acid in yogurt can promote the absorption of minerals, such as calcium.
4. It can improve lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance refers to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea that occur after drinking pure milk. This is caused by the lactose in the milk. However, this phenomenon does not occur when you drink yogurt because most of the lactose in the original milk is converted into lactic acid. Additionally, the lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can secrete lactase (an enzyme that breaks down lactose), further reducing the amount of lactose.
Furthermore, how to choose the yogurt that's right for you?
1. Young people who love yogurt with fruit pieces often find its texture very good, sweet and fragrant, and it contains fruit pulp. But if you analyze it carefully, you'll find that the "fragrance" comes from artificial flavors, and the sweetness is from sugar. As for the fruit pulp, it only provides a good texture and cannot be considered for its nutritional value.
2. Many people now think that old-style yogurt is very authentic and thick, similar to what it was like decades ago, and the name has "old" in it. In fact, this "jelly-like" texture of yogurt is mainly due to thickeners. Its nutritional value is about the same as that of thin yogurt.
3> There is a type of drink called a probiotic yogurt drink. To tell the difference, you must look at the core word, which is "drink," not yogurt. Its biggest feature is that it contains many live beneficial bacteria that can stay in the human intestine and have a positive effect. However, if you are looking to supplement your nutrition, this type of product cannot compare to yogurt.
4. Parents often think that children should drink so-called "children's yogurt," but in fact, the main difference between children's yogurt and regular yogurt is the sweetness. It is much sweeter than regular yogurt and may not be suitable for children.
5. Some people say that since there are artificial flavors and colors everywhere, they might as well choose plain yogurt, which is relatively better. That's correct. "Plain" simply means no artificial flavors, but thickeners are still present. Special note: Although additives such as artificial flavors, colors, and thickeners have no nutritional value, they are added within the scope of national regulations to meet people's taste and visual preferences, and are non-toxic and harmless.
6. Everyone is very concerned about food safety issues, and is especially cautious when choosing dairy products. So, when possible, we can make our own yogurt. This way, there are no additives, and it contains many beneficial bacteria. Not only is it safe to drink, but it also gives you peace of mind.
Finally, here are a few frequently asked questions about drinking yogurt.
1. Is drinking yogurt harmful to your teeth?
Answer: Yes, it can be harmful, so remember to rinse your mouth after drinking.
2. When is the best time to drink yogurt?
Answer: You can drink it anytime, such as in the morning, at night, or on an empty stomach. However, it is not recommended for people with too much stomach acid to drink it on an empty stomach. Yogurt should also not be taken with medicine to avoid reactions between certain components, which may cause discomfort.
3. How much should a healthy person drink?
Answer: The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends that the appropriate amount of dairy products for a healthy adult is 300g per day. If you drink pure milk and consume other dairy products in a day, be mindful that your yogurt intake should not be excessive. If you only drink yogurt, 300g is a good guideline, and you should not exceed 500g, which is one jin (about 500g).
In conclusion, friends, if you want to choose good food that suits you, you must understand that food. Yogurt is a great food. Understanding its nutritional value and the source of its different flavors can help us make better and faster choices!