Yogurt is considered to be an excellent source of protein, fat, good bacteria, and carbohydrates. However, one must take note that yogurt also is loaded with artificial sweeteners and added sugars. And if you are diabetic, it is very important for you to keep a watch on what type of yogurt you are consuming and how much. We are not asking you to give up your creamy yogurt treat, we are just asking you to understand which yogurt is best for your health. Let’s read on to know more.
Understanding nutrients and calories present in yogurt
It is the nutrients that our body extracts from the food that we consume in order to function optimally. Nutrients are what provide calories and this gets converted into energy by the body. The amount of calories and nutrients present in commercial yogurts vary from brand to brand.
yogurt is considered to be a very smart snack as long as you know which type of yogurt you are consuming and how much of it. An ideal yogurt provides a body with a healthy balance of carbohydrates and proteins, along with healthy fat, probiotics, and calcium.
Understanding ingredients present in yogurt
For diabetic people, the golden rule of yogurt is consuming organic, plain, full fat yogurt that is made from milk provided by grass fed cows and it comes with a very simple and short list of ingredients on the packaging. For example, plain yogurt is supposed to contain only cream or milk along with bacterial cultures. Therefore look for yogurt that is made with milk from the cows that aren’t treated with hormones like RBSTM – a synthetic hormone that increases milk production for cows.
Ingredients you should be avoiding when it comes to yogurt
If you have the habit of reading ingredient labels, in the case of yogurt, look out for added sugars that come in various forms. Dextrose, evaporated cane juice, Green sugar, and high fructose-containing corn syrup are some of the most common ones. While added sugars that don’t harm our body, it does not contain any nutritional benefits for us as well. Artificial preservatives, sweetness, and dies and also something that you need to look out for in compound categories while reading those ingredient labels.
What are the varieties of yogurt available?
Gone are the days when you would look at yogurt made out of just Gao milk as the base. These days, there are yogurt options that are made from goat or sheep milk, and not to forget the plethora of vegan options when it comes to yogurts.
Animal sources of yogurts: people who suffer from diabetes, Icelandic yogurt or greek yogurt that is made from cow‘s milk should be ideal. yogurt that is made from the milk of sheep and goats and can also be considered as the second best option. Goat and sheep milk-based yogurt are known to be lower in lactose levels and have less inflammatory properties when compared to cow milk because the acid and fatty profile is different. Goats milk is also considered to be higher in calcium levels when compared to karmic. Consuming yogurt is known to reduce risk of type two diabetes and is consumed daily by almost 14% according to a certain study that was published in the year 2017 in Journal of nutrition.
Plant sources of yogurts: cashews, coconuts, macadamias, almonds, and soy I consider to be some of the best options when it comes to yogurts for vehicles. However, these plant sources are milk or dairy free and therefore they lack lactose and do not have that natural sweetness that is found in cow‘s milk yogurt. Most of the vegan alternatives for yogurt contain added sugars or flavorings, therefore, always remember to check ingredient labels more thoroughly when it comes to vegan foods.
You see, there is no dearth when it comes to yogurt options that are available in the nearest store near you. You could either go for dairy products that are made traditionally from animal milk or you could go for vegan friendly yogurt options that are plant-based. However, always remember to avoid yogurts that contain synthetic hormone called RBST, artificial sweeteners, chemical dyes, preservatives, and corn syrup that has high fructose.
One of the best ways for you to choose yogurt is to keep dietary guidelines in mind and you could find out about this after consulting your nutritionist or doctor.
Some fun ways to enjoy a cup of yogurt
yogurt makes for a healthy breakfast. And you can make it more indulgent and nutritious by topping it with 8 to 6 frozen berries and maybe a tablespoon of chopped nuts which notches add for crunch but also are good sources of healthy fats and protein.
- Dips-if you like greek yogurt, you could use it in the place of Sir cream for your dips, or you can also add it to your dressing as well and maybe you can use it to make a healthy coleslaw which is lighter and tangier.
- Smoothies-mix your goods with your fruits to add more protein and make it more thicker and creamy.
- Desserts-instead of considering ice cream, opt for frozen greek yogurt dessert. Top it up with some frozen or fresh berries and enjoy a sweet after dinner treat.
yogurt is considered to be rich in nutrients and makes for a healthy snack especially for those who are diabetic. Opt for yogurt that has the least amount of carbohydrate and no added sugar. The key here is to avoid yogurt that increases your car and calorie intake without providing any nutritional benefit for your body.