– Aparna Chatterjee

Who doesn’t like a sweet treat after a meal? Being Bengali, the main thing about us is that we are big-time sweet lovers. So, heavy or uncontrolled sugar intake can lead to many health issues, from dental to cardiological (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? Probiotic means “for life,” which contains live bacteria. These bacteria are perfect for us in so many ways. Yogurt is an excellent source of essential nutrients for health, such as potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B6, and B12, riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid, and niacin. Due to fermentation, it has ten times more folic acid than milk used in its production.

So yogurt contains many minerals and vitamins, but here are more excellent reasons why you SHOULD include this in your diet!

• Protect your smile 

Yogurt contains lactose, which does a fantastic work of protecting teeth’ enamel. Despite its natural sugar quantity, there is no harm to cavities. The probiotics help your gums stay healthy. It helps fight against bad breath. Eat at least half a cup of yogurt daily to keep that BATTISI lit!

• It helps control diabetes!

The introduction must have hinted at this part already. The calcium and Vitamin D combo in yogurt may help prevent insulin resistance, a great thing if you’re worried about chronically high blood sugar. The calcium in dairy foods like yogurt may obstruct fat absorption from the small intestine and prevent the birth of new fat cells (Yes, love, slimmer waist!). Use low-fat, unsweetened yogurt instead of sour cream in veggie dips for a snack.

My father enjoys yogurt with a tsp of rock salt, cumin powder, and two drops of artificial sweetener. The combination of cumin and yogurt helps control weight, so if you are looking for an easy way to reduce some pounds, this is for you.

• Soothes your digestive track –

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 your food while crowding out the unhealthy gut-dwelling bacteria that cause gas, constipation, and bloating. Studies have shown that certain probiotics can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, and atopic eczema and may also help protect against various infections and colon cancer.

So let me make it simpler for you. Better digestion – healthy and smooth gut – slimmer and more active you!

• Helps control blood pressure –

Blood pressure is a condition where the walls of the arteries (oxygen-rich blood carriers of our body) have fat depositions, which impart pressure, obstructing 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 is known to lessen sodium’s effect on your body. I discussed how it could help reduce obesity, which creates a direct link between yogurt and blood pressure.

• Improve your immunity-

If you suffer from frequent colds and fever, then a bowl of yogurt can help you get stronger again. 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 the probiotics; they help to send “immune-boosting” signals to your body to help charge it up.

• Pamper your nervous system-

Yogurt is loaded with vitamins! One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5. Yogurt also contains B12, which maintains red blood cells and helps keep your nervous system functioning correctly. 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 1.4 micrograms of the vitamin, about 60 percent of adult women’s daily needs!