Yoghurt is a fermented milk product that can offer a range of health benefits, including helping to balance intestinal flora, supporting bone health, and aiding weight management.
These benefits are linked to the presence of nutrients such as proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Some varieties may also contain probiotics — live microorganisms that can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Different types of yoghurt are available on the market, including natural, Greek, and Skyr varieties. Yoghurt can also be prepared at home and consumed plain, with fruit or honey, or used in the preparation of sauces, breads, cakes, and smoothies.
Among the possible health benefits of natural yoghurt are the following:
1. Helping to Balance the Gut Microbiome
Yoghurt containing probiotics can contribute to the balance of the intestinal microbiome and the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Some probiotics may also help reduce the frequency or duration of certain digestive problems, although the effects depend on the specific strains used.
2. Supporting Weight Management
By providing protein, yoghurt can help prolong the feeling of fullness and assist in controlling hunger. Natural yoghurt may also offer a moderate energy value, making it a suitable option within a diet oriented towards weight management.
However, its consumption alone does not lead to weight loss. To achieve that objective, it should be incorporated into a balanced diet and a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity.
3. Contributing to Bone Health
Yoghurt is a source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are important for maintaining the structure and strength of bones. Its consumption, as part of a balanced diet, can contribute to the maintenance of bone health and help reduce the risk of bone mass loss associated with ageing.
4. Promoting the Maintenance of Muscle Mass
As yoghurt contains proteins — essential nutrients for the formation and maintenance of muscles — it can be incorporated into a diet aimed at maintaining or developing muscle mass, particularly when combined with adequate protein intake and regular physical exercise.
5. Contributing to Mental Health
Some yoghurts containing probiotics may have effects on mental health and cognitive function. The relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain has been studied due to the possible role of intestinal bacteria in the production and regulation of substances involved in the functioning of the nervous system, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
However, further studies are still needed to determine whether the consumption of yoghurt with probiotics produces meaningful benefits for mental health.
6. Supporting Normal Immune System Function
Yoghurt provides proteins and other nutrients involved in various bodily functions, including the normal functioning of the immune system. Some of its components, notably the probiotics present in certain varieties, may also contribute to immune function.
7. Promoting Cardiovascular Health
Yoghurt can be incorporated into a diet that is favourable to cardiovascular health, particularly when it has a low added sugar content and, depending on the dietary context, a low saturated fat content. It contains minerals such as potassium and calcium, which play important roles in the body, including in the regulation of blood pressure and the normal functioning of muscles and nerves.
Choosing natural varieties with lower amounts of added sugar may be particularly appropriate for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=539492
