Yogurt: benefits and harm to the health of the body

In the Caucasus, everyone knows what yogurt is. There they began to produce this dairy product more than 200 years ago.

What is yogurt

It is believed that it turned out by chance when a certain Armenian woman accidentally poured warm milk into a jug with yogurt. By the way, in Georgia it is called matsoni, and in Armenia - matsun. It can be used as a separate product, or as a component of other dishes. How to cook yogurt, every housewife in the Caucasus knows.

Yogurt can be made from cow's milk, but goat or sheep is also used. The milk of cows grazed high in the mountains is considered ideal. This fermented milk product often tastes like kefir, yogurt, and yogurt at the same time.

What is the difference between yogurt and kefir, yogurt and yogurt

Yogurt or matsun is, first of all, a fermented milk product obtained by fermentation, so it can be attributed to yogurt. However, there is one significant difference: for example, to obtain yogurt, only those bacteria that are in the air are enough, so getting it is quite simple. In the case of yogurt, to obtain it requires an acidophilus bacillus, which is not in the air, so it will not be possible to make it by conventional technology.

The method of making yogurt is very similar to the technology for producing yogurt, but to obtain the first, preservatives, dyes and other substances are not used at all. Yogurt is a completely natural product.

As for kefir, it differs fundamentally from other dairy products in that it requires special fungi, not bacteria. To obtain some types of kefir, several types of fungi are generally used. It is for this reason that kefir is distinguished by its "alcoholic" content. And also distinguish this drink by the degree of fat content and ripening.

Composition and calorie content

Depending on which milk was taken as the basis, the calorie content of yogurt can be different. For example, yogurt from cow's milk has 54 kcal per 100 g, and from goat milk - 64 kcal. There is also low-fat yogurt made from cow's milk with an energy value of 40 kcal. From this we can conclude that this is a fairly dietary product.

Energy value

• Proteins - about 3 g.
• Fats - about 2 g.
• Carbohydrates - 3.2–3.8 g.

In addition, yogurt contains many vitamins, micro and macro elements, as well as unique cultures: streptococci and Bulgarian bacillus, amino acids and beta-carotene.

Vitamins

Vitamin A
It was discovered by scientists one of the first, and therefore received such a name. Basically, most people know that it is used for cosmetic purposes. And indeed, it is included in almost all skin rejuvenation creams. Vitamin A also has a positive effect on human vision, it is used to prevent night blindness - when a person begins to see poorly at dusk. Actually, a lack of vitamin A leads to this condition.

Vitamin A was first obtained from carrots, hence the second name - carotenoids. Vitamins of this group are responsible for visual acuity and prevent the occurrence of many diseases associated with it, including cataracts. Vitamin A, like others, is essential for maintaining immunity at the proper level, in particular, it is needed to increase the protective properties of the mucous membranes.

Niacin (PP)
This vitamin was discovered by American scientists during the spread of a disease such as pellagra, characterized by mental illness, dizziness, and vomiting. It belongs to soluble vitamins, it is quite resistant to environmental influences, its other name is nicotinic acid.

Niacin is an important element for the normal development and functioning of a healthy body. The daily rate depends on many factors. These are weight, age, weather conditions, climate and nervous condition.

Benefits of Vitamin PP

• has a positive effect on the work of the heart;
• dilates blood vessels, including the brain;
• takes part in energy production;
• necessary for the absorption of protein from plant foods;
• provides a normal state of the gastric and oral mucosa;
• significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack.

Vitamin B2
Riboflavin or B2 is also called a beauty vitamin, the health of the skin, hair and nails depends on its sufficient amount. Riboflavin is a biologically active element, its role in development and health is enormous:

1. Improves and accelerates the healing of injuries and cuts.
2. Improves the condition and health of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and mouth.
3. It has a positive effect on vision, protects against ultraviolet rays, reduces eye fatigue, and increases severity.
4. Participates in the process of assimilation of such an important element as iron, which is necessary for normal blood formation.
5. It takes part in metabolic processes.
6. Increases the protective functions of the body.
7. It is directly involved in the work of the nervous system and helps in the treatment of certain pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Macro and microelements

Calcium
Most yogurt contains calcium, like any dairy product, about 115 mg per 100 g. For calcium to be absorbed in the right amount, the body needs enough vitamins A, C and D. Most know that this element is quite important for bone formation. and tooth tissue. However, together with magnesium, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, a lack of calcium can lead to the following symptoms:

• stratification and fragility of bones;
• numbness of the limbs;
• joint pain;
• tachycardia;
• growth retardation in children;
• increased nervousness and heavy menstruation.

The reasons for the lack of calcium in the body can be improper nutrition and diet, smoking and excessive consumption of coffee, as well as some diseases or malfunctioning of organs.

Also, the use of a large number of dairy products can lead to its overabundance, which can contribute to the appearance of dizziness and vomiting.

Phosphorus
The second most abundant element is phosphorus. Phosphorus is the second element in importance and quantity in the human body. Like calcium, it is involved in the regeneration and formation of bone tissue. It is the interaction of these elements that contributes to a strong skeletal structure.

Phosphorus is necessary for the formation of RNA and DNA, and is also part of the cell membrane. He takes part in the production, transportation and accumulation of energy in the body. The product stimulates the liver, brain, improves digestion and regulates the amount of hormones.

Sodium
Sodium is mainly found in table salt, however, too salty or protein-rich foods interfere with the absorption of this element.

Useful properties of sodium:

• necessary for the normal production of gastric juice;
• regulates water balance;
• dilates blood vessels;
• takes part in the normal functioning of the heart and muscle system;
• maintains the acid balance in the body.

Yogurt also contains large amounts of potassium and iron.

The fundamental difference from all dairy products is the presence of acidophilus bacillus in yogurt. Its presence leads to the fact that the product is completely absorbed by the body within an hour, which makes it indispensable in the diet of some diets. It also contributes to the complete breakdown of lactose, which in some cases is extremely important.

Useful properties of yogurt

General benefit

The composition of yogurt contains lactobacilli, which are important for the absorption and development of nutrients for the normal functioning of the digestive tract.

The main beneficial properties of yogurt:

• cleanses the liver and gall bladder;
• improves the digestive tract;
• gives vitality to the skin, nails and hair;
• improves peristalsis of the stomach;
• improves blood circulation;
• improves liver and kidney function;
• supports healthy eyesight;
• helps the body get rid of toxins;
• removes "bad cholesterol";
• helps with stress and insomnia;
• normalizes metabolism and helps the production of certain enzymes;
• regulates the hormonal background.

For women

In addition to the already mentioned beneficial properties, matsoni can play a key role in a woman’s life. So, it contains already two beauty vitamins: A and B3.

Vitamin A is known for its anti-aging effect. A sufficient amount of it in the female body leads to accelerated growth and change of skin cells, which significantly rejuvenates it. It is also necessary for protein synthesis and cell membrane construction. Its lack can lead to dry hair and skin, as well as brittle nails.

Retinol stimulates the formation of collagen, and the ability to maintain and restore the skin is highly regarded by many cosmetologists. That is why it is included in most skin masks. It is extremely effective for acne and psoriasis. It is also important to note that vitamin A has antioxidant properties, which prevents the formation of free radicals and, therefore, the aging of cells.

Vitamin B3 is also often called the "beauty vitamin." It is needed to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Another important role of this vitamin is a beneficial effect on the nervous system. He is able to overcome depression, help to cope with nervous tension and reduce anxiety, which is extremely important for any modern woman.

For men

If we talk about the benefits of the product for men, first of all, yogurt will be useful for those who are involved in active activities and sports. Matsoni has an anabolic property: it significantly reduces the feeling of hunger, quenches thirst and forms muscles.

Also in its composition there is potassium and sodium, which maintain the cardiovascular system in excellent condition, which is especially important for every man after 40 years. The presence of these elements prevents the risk of premature heart attack and other heart diseases.

Yogurt also helps remove cholesterol from the body. The use of the product is the prevention of plaque formation, it also improves immunity, improves reproductive function and potency.

During pregnancy

A well-known fact - that is useful to the expectant mother, then positively affects the development of the fetus. Matsoni in the diet of pregnant women plays a rather important role. So, during pregnancy, starting from the second trimester, a woman sorely lacks calcium and protein in the body, which are important components of the normal development of an unborn baby. Matsoni, like most dairy products, contains a sufficient amount of these elements, so it must be included in the diet of a pregnant woman.In addition, unlike most products, it is almost completely absorbed by the body, which is important during pregnancy.

It should also be noted that yoghurt contains phosphorus in sufficient quantities, which, along with calcium, forms the bones of the unborn child. Studies have shown that a newborn receives most of the necessary calcium and phosphorus in the last 3-4 months of pregnancy, which once again shows the importance of including this product in a woman’s diet.

During pregnancy, you need to consider some of the features of yogurt, namely, you should not quench your thirst with this product. Yogurt is not a supplement, it is a complete meal. You should not drink it in cold and sips, as this can lead to problems with the assimilation of its body.

When breastfeeding

The nutrition of a nursing mother is very important, as this directly affects the health of the baby and the woman herself. Yogurt is a dairy product, so its use in food in this case is a necessity. Yogurt contains many elements and vitamins that affect the proper growth and development of the child.

The problem of using yogurt can only be if the child has an individual intolerance or is allergic to lactose.

Matsoni during breastfeeding has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora, which allows the baby's body to absorb more nutrients and beneficial elements. The use of this product is also extremely useful, as it removes toxins and toxins, improves the microflora of the digestive tract, relieves colic and helps with constipation.

For children

Yogurt plays an important role in the development and normal functioning of the child's body. Recently, the introduction of fermented milk products into the diet of children has been somewhat revised, now they are recommended to start giving no earlier than 7-8 months.

Contraindications to the use of yogurt by children:

• lactose allergy;
• severe kidney disease;
• individual intolerance;
• metabolic disorders in the kidneys;
• early age - up to 1 year.

For children, yogurt is a storehouse of nutrients and minerals:

1. Calcium and phosphorus form bones and teeth.
2. The bacteria contained in yogurt normalize stool, improve digestibility, peristalsis and appetite.
3. The product has a strong inhibitory effect on the development of pathogenic bacteria in the stomach.
4. Yogurt removes toxins from the body, and also normalizes the intestinal flora after taking medications and antibiotics.
5. The product is extremely important in the fight against rickety in children.
6. The presence of a sufficient amount of vitamins contributes to the normal metabolism.
7. The product enhances immunity and protective functions.

When losing weight

Yogurt is a dietary product, so it is often used in the diet of various diets. In addition, it has enough vitamins and minerals, a deficiency of which is very acute when restricting food intake.

The presence of beneficial bacteria in yogurt, low calorie content, as well as the ability to remove toxins, toxins and bad cholesterol make it the number one product among all other fermented milk analogues for weight loss diets.

Bacteria also normalize the intestinal microflora, which is important for diets and the absence of certain foods.

Yogurt in medicine

Yogurt can not be used as an independent medicine, but its useful qualities make it possible to use it in the treatment of many diseases. In particular, it is necessary to mention the ability to restore the intestinal microflora and remove toxins and toxins from the body.

With diabetes

WHO has long characterized this disease as an epidemic of the 21st century.It is known that the main cause of the disease is overweight, therefore, for a successful treatment and prevention of the disease, you should adhere to a certain diet. The use of dairy products is indicated for diabetics, but the doctor imposes restrictions on the use of certain products. Introduction to the diet of yogurt is extremely useful in this ailment for a number of reasons.

Matzoni contains a sufficient amount of calcium, the lack of which disrupts the metabolism and promotes the formation of fat. With a lack of calcium, losing weight is impossible. It saturates the body with all the useful vitamins and minerals, which is important when restricting nutrition. The product normalizes the digestive tract, normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system.

However, it is important to remember that a high fat content in foods can cause complications of the course of the disease, so be sure to consult your doctor.

Important: the glycemic index of yogurt - 20 units.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease in which inflammation of the gastric mucosa occurs, therefore, for a successful treatment, you must adhere to a certain diet. For gastritis, consult a nutritionist or doctor. He will unequivocally give an answer to whether it is possible to use yogurt and in what quantity. One thing can be answered exactly: with this disease, yogurt should be eaten with great care.

For constipation

The presence of matsoni bacteria that normalize the digestive tract, among other things, it helps to cope with many disorders, in particular with constipation. Regularly eating yogurt, you can once and for all forget about such a problem as constipation.

Matzoni in cosmetology

As noted earlier, yogurt contains two important vitamins of "beauty": A and B3. Manufacturers of cosmetics use them in almost all anti-aging creams, in addition, they are added to various serums to improve the condition of hair and nails. However, manufacturers actually include only synthetic vitamins in their products. In yogurt, they are represented in sufficient quantities in the form of natural ones. Therefore, there are many recipes for masks and serums for hair and various skin types. This product can be applied in pure form on the face and hair for 20 minutes 2 times a day.

Harm and contraindications

The product can be harmful only in severe diseases, such as kidney pathology, hepatitis, urolithiasis or pancreatitis.

There are also a number of some limitations in certain diseases, for example, with gastritis and pancreatitis.

How to store yogurt

Yogurt is, first of all, a fermented milk product that should be stored in a certain way, adhering to deadlines.

It should be noted that the shelf life of the product depends on the amount of whey in it. Its quantity, in turn, is determined by the recipe and method of manufacture. If you buy yogurt in a store, then, as a rule, its shelf life is short and in rare cases exceeds 72 hours.

Matsoni cooked at home can be stored for up to several months, and in some cases it can be dried, which will significantly increase its shelf life.

Now we need to talk about storage conditions. Matsoni, in fact, is the result of the fermentation of bacteria, therefore, storage, temperature, light and oxygen access influence storage rules. It follows that the yogurt should be stored in an airtight, opaque container in the refrigerator.

How to make yogurt at home

For the preparation of yogurt, fermentation is required, which can be purchased at a store or pharmacy. Cooked matsun at home can be stored much longer than the finished product, as well as take with you on the go.

So, you can make yogurt from milk of a cow, sheep, goat and even a buffalo.If it is not possible to purchase sourdough, then it should be replaced with Bulgarian yogurt or tan.

In banks

To prepare 1 liter of the finished drink, you need 1 liter of milk and 2 tsp. sourdough. It is necessary to carry out a certain procedure with milk: it must be heated almost to the boiling point with the lid closed, then cooled to a temperature of 45 ° C and add serum. Important! Temperature values ​​must be followed exactly to get the right product.

If Tan is used instead of sourdough, then the ratios change somewhat. So, for 0.5 liters of milk, you need to add 4 tsp. tana.

Mix everything thoroughly, wrap the container in a terry towel and leave for 4 hours. Then refrigerate for 8 hours. After that, this “magic” drink is ready. On the palate, it resembles kefir, but somewhat more acidic.

In a slow cooker

With the ingredients and special equipment, you can easily prepare this wonderful drink. The main thing is to adhere to the recipe. If you use pasteurized milk, then you should not boil it, but only bring it to the required temperature - 45 ° C. It must be mixed with sourdough, placed in a slow cooker, select the heating mode and keep the mixture for about 8 hours, then put in the refrigerator for another 2 hours.

It is also necessary to follow certain rules when cooking, namely:

1. Move the product to a cold place immediately after eight hours of exposure to heat.
2. After adding the starter culture, it is important not to stir or agitate the product, as the yogurt can be too thin.

What can be cooked from yogurt

Matsoni can be an independent meal, and you can also prepare many dishes from it.

Azerbaijani cuisine - Spas soup
For cooking you will need:

• water - 1 l;
• sour cream;
• yogurt;
• egg;
• salt to taste;
• wheat flour and millet;
• greens, onions;
• butter.

How to cook:

1. Mix 1 cup millet, 1 egg, salt and 2 tbsp. flour until a homogeneous mass is formed.
2. Separately mix yogurt (about 800 g) with sour cream and water. Sour cream (200 ml) is needed so that the dish does not turn out too acidic.
3. Then add the sour-milk mixture to the egg-grain and mix thoroughly. Put on a slow fire. Stir occasionally until boiling, then more often. You can use a whisk so that the egg does not curl.
4. Cook to the desired density. At the end add creamy lard, fried onions and herbs.

In addition to soups, khinkali, casseroles and various sauces are also prepared from yogurt.

Interesting facts about yogurt

1. The literal translation of the word Matsun from Armenian is “sour milk”.
2. Residents of the Caucasus call the yogurt elixir of youth.
3. Studies by scientists have shown that most long-livers living in the Caucasus regularly use this magic drink.
4. Matsoni is still quite a popular dish among the peoples of Central and Asia Minor.
5. Matsoni is an independent dish.
6. Unlike most dairy products, which should not be used to quench your thirst, yogurt copes with this task.
7. Matsoni is a favorite product of many athletes, as it helps to build muscle mass in a short time.
8. To adjust your figure or lose weight, it is enough to regularly drink a glass of yogurt.
9. Yogurt can be used as sour cream, and also eat with greens, spread on plain bread.
10. Most chefs in the East always add yogurt to khachapuri, as well as stew meat and vegetables in it.

Photo yogurt