| Yogurt: Miracle Food or Commercial Hype?
Nutrition is a cornerstone of the chiropractic lifestyle. That’s why we educate patients about wellness-focused eating — and help them distinguish nutrition facts from nutrition trends. Lately, yogurt advertisements have been extolling a variety of virtues for this staple dairy food, and patients have become more curious about its possible health benefits. Is it just marketing hype, or does yogurt deserve the special attention? Yogurt is created when live bacteria are added to milk, it ferments the natural milk sugar (lactose). This chemical reaction produces lactic acid, which interacts with milk protein and thickens it into yogurt. Flavourings and other additives may also be a part of the recipe — some of which offer health benefits, and some of which may contain components that are destructive to well-being. People have been making and eating yogurt for more than 4000 years. With its high calcium and protein content, yogurt is considered a staple food in many parts of the world, from Asia to Eastern Europe, and it is often associated with longevity. Bottom line: Yogurt is more than hype. It does indeed have powerful health benefits — if you read labels carefully. Try to choose yogurt that is minimally processed and contains a minimum of ingredients. Do so and you just might find a nutritious new snack that satisfies your hunger and improves your health.Dr. Barbara Smith |
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