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Yoghurt is a very nourishing food. It is
an excellent source of protein, essential vitamins and minerals. It is
also a rich source of calcium and riboflavin. Yoghurt contains
millions of live and active bacteria which are friendly and helpful in
strengthening the immune system, help ulcers to heal faster and help
to prevent yeast infections from recurring. In a study, women who had
frequent yeast infections were given 8 ounces of yoghurt to take daily
for 6 months, at the end of this period, the rate of yeast infections
had dropped significantly.
The good bacteria in yoghurt that help
to prevent yeast infections can also strengthen the immune system. In
a study, researchers found that people who ate 2 cups of yoghurt daily
for 4 months had several times more gamma interferon than those who
did not eat yoghurt. Gamma interferon is a protein that helps the
white blood cells fight disease. There is also evidence that yoghurt
can act against bacterial infections such as the salmonella bacteria
which cause food poisoning.
Since most ulcers are caused by
bacteria, eating plenty of live culture yoghurt can keep the ulcer
causing bacteria in check. The bad bacteria that give rise to ulcers
cannot thrive in the presence of the beneficial bacteria in the
yoghurt. In addition, yoghurt contain a natural sugar called lactose
which turns into lactic acid which helps to keep the gastro-intestinal
track in a healthy condition.
Besides aiding in the digestion of food,
yoghurt is a super source of calcium. One cup of plain low fat yoghurt
provides 414 mg of calcium compared to that of low fat milk with just
300 mg per serving. To get the most benefit from yoghurt, it should be
eaten cold because high heat will destroy the good bacteria. Also make
sure you buy it fresh. Fresh yoghurt contains the most bacteria, about
100 million in just one gram. |