Lactose-free Yogurts: Greek Yogurt Benefits as a Superfood
Greek yogurt benefits have become increasingly celebrated over the last few years. You may know that lactose-free yogurts or extremely low-lactosee yogurts such as Greek yogurt, are great for digestion. The live probiotics in yogurt can lead to a decrease in stomach issues. Plus, Greek yogurt helps build a healthy immune system. If the great taste and bone health benefits aren’t convincing enough, let’s discuss three things you probably didn’t know about Greek yogurt.
How Much Lactose is in Greek Yogurt?
Some brands make 100% lactose-free Greek yogurt. Usually, there are about 5 grams of lactose in 200 grams of Greek yogurt. To put this into perspective with other dairy products containing lactose:
200 Grams of Greek Yogurt: 5 grams of lactose
200 Grams of Regular Yogurt: 8 grams of lactose
236.59 Grams (1 cup) of Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose
Here is another way of looking at it:
Greek Yogurt: 4 grams of lactose per 6 ounces (less than 1 gram of lactose per ounce)
Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose per 8 ounces
Is Greek Yogurt Considered Dairy? Is Greek Yogurt Dairy-free?
Yes, Greek yogurt (extremely low in lactose) and lactose-free yogurts made of animal milk are considered dairy. Greek yogurt is dairy and is delicious!
No, Greek yogurt is not dairy-free because it is fermented dairy.
Lactose-free Yogurts Can be Used for More than Eating
Greek yogurt benefits are quickly making their way into the beauty world. Greek yogurt is a great ingredient to add to any DIY face mask, moisturizer, or even a hair mask. The probiotics in Greek yogurt can help reduce acne and redness while vitamin B12 keeps skin looking fresh. Additionally, the thick consistency of Greek yogurt works as an excellent moisturizer for dry or damaged hair, and it will even help reduce frizz! Check out this article from Women’s Health magazine to learn how to incorporate Greek yogurt into your beauty routine.
Greek Yogurt is a Superfood
Greek yogurt is considered a superfood because of its excellent source of protein and low amount of carbohydrates. Greek yogurt has twice the protein content and half the carbs of regular yogurt. One six-ounce serving of Greek yogurt has between 15 to 20 grams of protein and five to six grams of carbohydrates.
In fact, eating Greek yogurt will give you double the amount of satiating protein as regular yogurts. Also, the high amount of calcium that Greek yogurt contains contributes to less visceral fat. Specifically, it is crucial to eat full-fat Greek yogurt with no added sugars, as this will work against your goal to lose weight.
This superfood is the perfect workout recovery snack and can lower blood pressure! It can also serve as a substitute for sour cream, mayonnaise, butter, or buttermilk. The unique creamy task of Greek yogurt is full of nutrition and can enhance almost any dish.
Greek Yogurt is one of Many Lactose-free Yogurts
If you are sensitive to dairy products with lactose, you can most likely still enjoy Greek yogurt. During production, Greek yogurt is strained several times to remove the whey products. This process gives Greek yogurt its thick and creamy texture. The straining process eliminates a majority of the lactose. Additionally, the probiotics in Greek yogurt help with the digestion of lactose. If you have a high sensitivity to lactose, some Greek yogurt brands are lactose-free! Learn more about managing lactose intolerance and how to incorporate Greek yogurt.
Read about lactose intolerance myths for more medical advice on lactase.
Lactose-free Yogurts: Greek Yogurt Benefits
Healthy eating starts with Greek yogurt or other lactose-free yogurts. Include Greek yogurt in your daily or weekly diet with some fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds sprinkled on top. Overall, Greek yogurt has many hidden benefits. It can help with digestion, build an immune system, dry skin, reduce acne, and increase workout recovery. Greek yogurt is a great way to make sure you get the recommended three daily servings of dairy, all while treating your body to the extra benefits Greek yogurt has to offer. To find recipes with Greek yogurt, visit thedairyalliance.com and follow The Dairy Alliance on Pinterest.