Yogurt Packs a Nutrient Punch

Yogurt has all the nutrients and nutritional benefits naturally found in milk. It contributes important nutrients such as high quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids the body requires. It also contains important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc which are nutrients that are beneficial to all age groups. Whether enjoying yogurt as a meal or snack, or as part of a food application, consumers consider it to be a healthy food. Manufacturers can be proud to include yogurt as an ingredient on their label.

Protein has been an increasing focus for global consumers as a way to manage weight, maintain muscle and contribute to healthy aging. Greek-style yogurts contain two or more times the protein content of a conventional yogurt, contributing to their popularity with consumers, especially in the United States.

During yogurt manufacture, milk is fermented. The fermentation provides a source of good bacteria to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It also significantly reduces the amount of lactose in the finished yogurt, making it easier to consume for people who have difficulty digesting milk due to the lactose content. The lactose remaining in yogurt also stimulates gastrointestinal activity, increasing the capacity of the body to utilize calcium and phosphorus.  

Yogurt Delivers Health Benefits

The good bacteria in yogurt also use the amino acids in milk protein to grow during the fermentation process. These bacteria break down proteins to help improve their digestibility. Yogurt is also an ideal delivery system for probiotic bacteria and some manufacturers add probiotics in addition to the fermenting bacteria. Consuming live probiotics can deliver health benefits in part by restoring the normal flora of the GI tract.  

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