– Aparna Chatterjee
Who doesn’t like a sweet treat after a meal? As Bengalis, our main thing is that we are big-time sweet lovers. So, heavy or uncontrolled sugar intake can lead to many health issues, from dental to cardiovascular (How often have you heard about diabetes?). Diabetes does not necessarily occur due to high sugar intake; many other reasons exist, such as stress, obesity, etc. But will you kill your habit of having a sweet treat?
Yogurt is fermented milk. This fermented milk contains vitamins, minerals, protein, and “good” bacteria. How often have you heard the word “probiotic” associated with yogurt? Often, right? Probiotics mean “for life,” and they contain live bacteria. These bacteria benefit us in numerous ways. Yogurt is an excellent source of essential nutrients for health, including potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B12, B6, riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid, and niacin. Due to fermentation, it contains 10 times the folic acid of the milk used in its production.
Yogurt contains many minerals and vitamins, but there are even better reasons to include it in your diet!
- Protect your smile
Yogurt contains lactose, which protects teeth’s enamel. Despite its natural sugar quantity, it does not harm cavities. The probiotics help your gums stay healthy and fight against bad breath. Eat at least half a cup of yogurt daily to keep that BATTISI lit!
- It helps control diabetes!
The introduction should already have hinted at this section. Combining calcium and vitamin D in yogurt may help prevent insulin resistance, which is beneficial if you’re concerned about chronically high blood sugar levels. The calcium in dairy foods, such as yogurt, may inhibit fat absorption from the small intestine and prevent the formation of new fat cells, potentially leading to a slimmer waist. As a healthy snack option, use low-fat, unsweetened yogurt instead of sour cream for veggie dips.
My father enjoys yogurt with a teaspoon of rock salt, cumin powder, and two drops of artificial sweetener. The combination of cumin and yogurt helps control weight, making it ideal for those looking to shed a few pounds.
- Soothes your digestive tract –
Yes, you read it right. Unstable appetite? Upset stomach? Bloated belly? Yogurt is the answer! This probiotic dose will help you overcome these problems in just a few uses. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that live in the small intestine, are believed to improve digestion. These gut-friendly bacteria help you digest and eliminate food while crowding out harmful gut-dwelling bacteria that cause gas, constipation, and bloating. Studies have shown that certain probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation, and may also protect against various infections and colon cancer.
Let me simplify it for you: better digestion, a healthy, smooth gut, and a slimmer, more active you!
- Helps control blood pressure –
Blood pressure is a condition in which the walls of the arteries (the oxygen-rich blood vessels in our body) have deposits of fat that increase pressure and obstruct normal blood flow. High blood pressure is a leading reason for Cardiac Arrest. Studies have shown that women who consume at least five servings of yogurt weekly have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure. It is rich in potassium, which helps mitigate the effects of sodium on the body. I discussed how it could help reduce obesity, which is directly linked to blood pressure.
- Improve your immunity-
If you frequently suffer from colds and fevers, a bowl of yogurt can help you recover and regain strength. It was found that women who consumed at least one serving of yogurt had a better generation of T cells, which fight infection and illness. The secret lies in probiotics; they send “immune-boosting” signals to your body, helping it charge up.
- Pamper your nervous system-
Yogurt is loaded with vitamins! One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5. Yogurt also contains B12, which helps maintain red blood cells and supports proper nervous system function. Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products, such as chicken and fish, so strict vegetarians can easily fall short. Eating more yogurt can help close the nutrient gap: 3-4 servings contain approximately 1.4 micrograms of the vitamin, about 60 percent of the daily needs for adult women.
The Witty Stride 