Yogurt is one of the most useful and nutritious types of fermented milk products. Its difference from kefir or, for example, yogurt is a unique way of fermentation. Yogurt, whose calorific value is relatively low, has many healing properties. It contains easily digestible protein, as well as special enzymes and bacteria, suitable even for people with lactose intolerance.
It contains vitamins of groups B, A, C, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, sodium and others. Calcium, which is in large quantities in this dessert, is absorbed by the body much more easily than from other dairy products. Special fermented milk bacteria give great benefits to yoghurts: they help improve the digestive process and help the gastrointestinal tract work much more efficiently.
History of Yogurt
In our area, yogurt began to be produced recently - at the end of the last century. However, according to historians, it has been known for seven millennia. Ancient Turkic tribes called it "white oxygen". But the nomads discovered this delicacy for themselves by accident. Constant movements and frequent changes of places of residence forced them to transport milk on the backs of animals. Stored in vessels of hides, it eventually began to ferment and enrich itself with a variety of bacteria. As a result, milk was transformed into yogurt unique in taste. The calorie content of this product was much higher than usual.
The Indian people were preparing a kind of lassi: milk was poured from one container into another through a canvas. Such a drink gave strength and energy. And the inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula still use healing yogurt, which is the secret of their longevity. Another Nobel laureate I. Mechnikov noted his beneficial effect on the human body. Studying the life and habits of the Balkan peoples, the scientist made sure of his beliefs completely.
Today, Uzbeks, Bashkirs and Tatars eat katyk, Armenians cook matsun, Sicilians - metsorad, and Egyptians - leben. And they all appreciate the nutritional properties of dessert.
Drinking yogurt: convenient and appetizing
Drinking yogurt is prepared on the basis of skim milk. Its distinguishing feature is a more fluid consistency. For convenience, it is sold in special bottles, which is very popular with most consumers. This type of yogurt has been very popular lately, because you can drink it on the go, having closed the lid for need.
The product contains a large amount of protein and live cultures that help digest lactose. Regular consumption of the drink enhances immunity, neutralizes toxins and maintains cholesterol levels. Live milk sticks can only be found in drinking yoghurts with a limited shelf life - strictly up to 30 days.
Drinking yogurt, the calorie content of which manufacturers increase due to a variety of fillers, does more harm to the body. Therefore, experts advise to abandon chocolate, caramel and other too sweet additives. Ideally, the energy value should not exceed 70 kcal per 100 g.
Homemade yogurt: calories and properties
Every day, home-made yogurt is increasingly pushing the industrial option. He is one of the most healthy and dietary foods. Usually 2 ingredients are used for its preparation: milk and sourdough. The composition of the starter culture is Bulgarian stick and streptococci.
But it is impossible to fully ensure sterility of crops. Extraneous microflora will gradually accumulate in home-made yogurt, and the product itself will lose its healing qualities over time. Therefore, you can use the leaven no more than three times. It should be stored exclusively in the refrigerator, previously placed in a glass jar.
If you do not use nutritional supplements, yogurt will turn out low-calorie (about 60 kcal per 100 g). It can be used in the process of losing weight. Sour-milk product will help to overcome infections and viruses, restore the intestinal microflora. This dessert is especially useful for women, because it copes with a fungal infection with thrush, and also helps the absorption of minerals and vitamins. Yogurt, whose calorific value is low, will surely appeal to many.
Key Features of Miracle Yogurt
Nowadays, classic and drinking yoghurts with various tastes are increasingly appearing on supermarket shelves. Among the leaders is the Russian company Wimm-Bill-Dann, which launched the production of dairy products in 1998.
Reading carefully the composition of one of the yoghurts, you can see at first glance a frightening inscription: the stabilizer E-1442. However, this component is a modified starch approved for use in the food industry. Gelatin E-412 and E-1422 should not be afraid either, because these are the names of ordinary thickeners.
Naturally, yogurt does not do without dyes. The carmine indicated on the packaging is not considered harmless. When receiving it, insect pests are used, which are dried, processed into powder, and then dissolved with ammonia. A chemical reagent can cause severe allergic reactions.
Thanks to flavorings, sugar and pieces of fruit, yogurt becomes truly delicious. But daily use of dessert will only increase the acidity in the stomach and oral cavity, as well as "reward" caries.
Yogurt "Miracle", whose calorie content is 95 kcal per 100 g, is not suitable as a diet. In addition, the indicated shelf life of 40 days exceeds the norm. During this period, the product will lose all its valuable properties.
The benefits of natural yogurt
The energy value of fermented milk products largely depends on the density and amount of fat. Natural yogurt, the calorie content of which at 1.5% fat and 100 g weight is 58 kcal, is usually made without any additives. In a standard glass beaker, the number of calories is much larger - 142, and with 3.2% fat - 68.
The yogurt contains probiotics - beneficial bacteria necessary to prevent a wide variety of diseases. Studies confirm that the constant use of natural yogurt by 40% reduces the risk of problems with the stomach and intestines. This is due to cultures of lactobacilli. For example, L. Bulgaricus can strengthen the immune system, and B. Lactis can prevent the development of allergic reactions.
If you eat 100 g of such yogurt daily, you can forever say goodbye to bowel obstruction, reduce the risk of symptoms of diabetes, and stabilize blood glucose levels. However, it is important to pay attention to the composition so that it does not include sugar.
Choose wisely
Unfortunately, not all yogurts presented in shops and supermarkets are alive. To increase the shelf life , preservatives and other harmful substances are added to them.
Many people know that the most useful yogurt is homemade. But if it is not possible to cook this delicacy yourself, you should learn how to choose a worthy product.
It must be remembered that live yogurt is always placed in the refrigerator, and the final date for its use does not exceed a month. The package should have the inscription: "Contains live yogurt culture." Perhaps the manufacturer will indicate the presence of 10 million lactic acid microorganisms, which is also a sign of quality. Yogurt, the calorie content of which is 60-70 kcal, is easier to digest. It is ideal for fasting days and a diet. The presence of sugar is a separate issue. The less its composition, the better.