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Yogurt Yogurt
Yogurt is not mentioned by name in the Bible, but tradition says an angel promised Abraham that he would live a long life if he ate the biblical version of yogurt. He lived to be 175 years old! Today, in parts of the Middle East, Southeastern Europe, and much of
Yogurt is highly regarded for many reasons: · Bone-building calcium · Prevents colds · Prevents allergic reactions · Helps fight cancer - specifically colon and breast · Strengthen the body's immune system · Lowers bad cholesterol levels · Prevents dangerous intestinal infections · Improves bowel function · Prevents gas and bloating · Blocks ulcers · Natural antibiotic-research has pinpointed at least 7 different antibiotics - while helping to restore the good bacteria needed for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients · Destroys E. coli and Salmonella · Contains Tryptophan, which can act as a mild sedative, but for some reason, the tryptophan/yogurt combination perks you up rather than slow you down. That's why a cup of yogurt in the afternoon may be a better pick-me-up snack than the jolt of caffeine from a cup of coffee.
Great Source of: v Protein v Calcium v Potassium v Vitamin B, especially folic acid
Yogurt is naturally superior to milk in many ways. Each 8 oz serving contains 30-45 percent of the recommended daily calcium requirement. It is more digestible then milk, even those who are lactose-intolerant can eat yogurt without discomfort. There are few foods that have as many health benefits as yogurt.
Kefir is a cultured milk product that has a smaller curd size, is easier to digest and is a more liquid consistency than yogurt. It also contains a good mixture of good bacteria and yeast, therefore this makes a great product to add to your diet.
Studies: These studies are found in Fresh yogurt and not frozen yogurt.
Buying Yogurt: Not all yogurts are created equal. If you purchase a store-bought yogurt then read the label carefully to make sure it contains "active cultures or live cultures". The yogurt should not contain sugars, preservatives, or thickeners. Some yogurts are produced by heat processing, this extends the shelf life but destroys the bacteria needed for health benefits. The FDA requires a "heat-treated" after cultures is this process ahs been used. Look for a yogurt that has a minimum of 4 different active cultures and may contain up to 8 active cultures. The higher the number the better health benefits. Yogurt labeled low-fat or sugar free may still contain flavorings, stabilizers, and other added chemicals. Plain low-fat yogurt is the healthiest and most digestible form.
Adding Yogurt to your diet: There are many ways to incorporate yogurt into your diet. Making a healthy drink by replacing ice cream with yogurt and adding fresh or frozen fruit and honey will please any child. Yogurt can be used in salad dressings, mashed potatoes, Cole slaw, pasta salads, tuna salad, sandwich spreads, and potato salad. Yogurt can be used in place of sour cream and is great on baked potatoes. Yogurt can also be substituted for buttermilk in recipes. You should not use yogurt in cakes unless you have adjusted the leavenings.
Nondairy Yogurt A soymilk yogurt is a healthy choice for those that are allergic to dairy products. The taste of these products is getting better all the time.
Making your own: The benefits of making your own yogurt are numerous. All you will need is a yogurt maker, milk and yogurt starter. Follow the directions that come with your yogurt maker. A healthy sour cream and cream cheese can be made from yogurt and a funnel or strainer. Straining 3 cups of yogurt will give you 1 cup of sour cream in 2 hours. If you continue to strain the yogurt for up to 24 hours you will have a very healthy cream cheese. The Donvier by Cuisipro is a Yogurt Cheese Maker that is very easy to use and can be found on many web sites for approximately $16.
Sources: Healing Foods from the Bible, Bernard Ward, 1994 ed. Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis Balch, 2003 ed. Donvier, Yogurt Cheese Maker Recipe Guide
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