Yogurt: benefits and harm to the body

Perhaps, each of us knows from childhood that dairy and sour-milk products are good for our health. They are especially rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are so necessary for bones. Sour milk is one of the most useful sour-milk products, and people have known about this since ancient times.

What is yogurt

Yogurt is a thick fermented milk product made from milk and special healthy bacteria. By its consistency, it is homogeneous, without any clots and lumps, it has a cream or white color, depending on the species, it has different taste qualities (preferably fresh or sour). It is made both at factories on an industrial scale and at home independently, since this process is elementary simple.

Homemade yogurt is slightly different from the factory in taste and useful properties. Due to the fact that the home product is stored slightly less, there are more useful substances in it.

Kinds

Today there are many varieties of yogurt, however, there are several types that serve as the so-called basis for the assortment:

• regular or home;
• Mechinkovskaya;
• fermented baked milk;
• Varenets;
• southern;
• acidophilic.

The difference between these species is in the form of bacteria, which are used to ferment milk directly, as well as the method of preparation.

What is the difference between kefir and yogurt

Yogurt is a product of the natural souring of natural milk under certain temperature conditions. But kefir is produced exclusively by the production method at the enterprises, since the fermentation of milk occurs thanks to a special kefir mushroom. It is a natural product that is artificially planted in tanks with pasteurized milk. During this fermentation, kefir mushroom absorbs lactose, and therefore it is this product that can be consumed by those people who suffer intolerance to this component. The absorption of lactose occurs because when the kefir mushroom enters the milk, the process of alcoholic fermented milk fermentation begins.

What is the difference between fermented baked milk and yogurt

If yogurt is made on the basis of ordinary whole milk through natural fermentation, fermented baked milk is a type of yogurt that is made on baked milk. In addition, fat cream is also added during cooking, because it is so rich in streptococci and Bulgarian sticks. The color of fermented baked milk is cream-beige, and the taste is slightly sweet, making it very easy to distinguish it from yogurt. Despite this fat content, fermented baked milk is a low-calorie product, and therefore it is considered dietary.

What is more useful: kefir or yogurt

Both of these products are equally useful, but they have a slightly different purpose. Yogurt is often recommended to drink to people who have digestive problems, as it is easily digestible and also contributes to the rapid digestion of food.But kefir is needed to a greater extent for quick recovery and support the normal functioning of the intestine. In addition, it contains the optimal amount of vitamins and bacteria, and therefore it prevents the development of a pathogenic environment in the intestine. But yogurt, unlike kefir, you can safely drink with many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is especially useful for people with candidiasis and high acidity.

Composition and calorie content

Sour milk, like most fermented milk products, has a very rich and rich chemical composition, which includes many useful vitamins, minerals and microorganisms, in particular bifidobacteria. The energy value of this product is unique, because it is characterized by a high content of protein, healthy polyunsaturated fats and a minimum amount of complex carbohydrates. In addition, yogurt is saturated with organic acids, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, B vitamins and vital mineral elements in the form of fluorine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, molybdenum and cobalt.

Due to this rich composition, this product is considered dietary and is perfect for people who try to keep fit and monitor their health. Yogurt is often used as the main product during fasting days, as it can cleanse the body of excess cholesterol, as well as other harmful substances and toxins. It has a positive effect and maximally stimulates the correct metabolism in the body. Due to the low fat content, curdled milk is considered a low-calorie product.

Nutritional value of yogurt 3.2% (100 g):

• Calories - 59.3 kcal
• Protein - 2.9 g
• Fats - 3.2 g
• Carbohydrates - 4.1 g
• Dietary fiber - 0 g
• Water - 89 g

What is useful sour milk

General benefit

The main benefit of yogurt is its positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improving digestion and intestinal motility. It also helps to improve metabolism in the body, and therefore is very useful during weight loss.

Very often, doctors prescribe yogurt to drink to people who suffer from gastritis, colitis and other serious gastrointestinal problems, as it can improve the intestinal microflora, saturating it with beneficial bacteria and microorganisms. Yogurt will be indispensable for those people who are undergoing antibiotic treatment, since it normalizes the digestive process, restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Due to the high content of calcium and vitamin D, yogurt can also be drunk as a prevention of rickets and other diseases associated with calcium deficiency.

For women

Women have known about the benefits of yogurt for a very long time, and therefore they are actively using it not only for internal use, but also for external use. It is so valuable and unique that it is able to rejuvenate the female body both from the inside and outside. In addition to the fact that girls often drink yogurt during a diet, since it very effectively helps to lose extra pounds, various face and hair care masks are often made from it. Also, yogurt should be drunk to strengthen teeth and nails, since it is very rich in calcium and fluoride.

For men

It is also very useful for men to consume yogurt. It is a good source of healthy protein, which is extremely necessary for men both for muscle mass and muscles, and for improving their men's health. Many recipes of traditional medicine say that it’s enough for a man to drink one glass of yogurt a day in order to increase testosterone production and increase potency. This product is very useful for improving sperm quality.

During pregnancy

Due to its unique and rich beneficial composition, sour milk is highly recommended for women during pregnancy.First of all, it is useful in that it contains a lot of calcium, which is so necessary for the formation and favorable growth of all the bones of the baby. Yes, and the expectant mother, calcium is no less important, because her body during this period is very weakened due to the bearing of the child, and therefore the bones become more fragile.

When breastfeeding

No less useful will be the use of yogurt after childbirth, during the period of breastfeeding. First of all, it helps the female body recover as soon as possible and establish a natural metabolism, competently compensates for the deficiency of many vitamins and trace elements that the mother gave the baby during pregnancy. Yogurt also helps the rapid creation of breast milk, which is very helpful in the first month after birth.

For kids

Yogurt is also incredibly beneficial for a growing baby’s body, as it is a good source of vitamins and minerals that a child needs so much. However, it is worth remembering that it is best for children to give yogurt in its pure form, without any additives and preservatives. Such a product can be given to children, starting from seven months. Despite the fact that yogurt is completely harmless and does not give a strong load on the stomach, it is necessary to introduce it into the children's diet gradually, first of all, in order to assess the reaction of the child's body to this product.

When losing weight

As mentioned earlier, yogurt is very useful, since it contains many useful bacteria and trace elements. And they, in turn, have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora, improve the digestion process and normalize the metabolism. In addition, yogurt is great for fasting days, as it is low-calorie, it contains a lot of protein and healthy polyunsaturated fats. With the help of yogurt, you can lose up to one kilogram per day.

Sour milk in medicine

Yogurt is such a unique and useful product that it is not surprising that it is actively used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system. Due to the high content of polyunsaturated acids and calcium, curdled milk helps to clean and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Due to the large number of vitamins and minerals, it strengthens the immune system, therefore it is often recommended to be taken for various colds.

With diabetes

Patients with diabetes are recommended daily use of this product, since it effectively cleanses the body. It can also be used to control weight and normalize metabolism, which is very good for patients with diabetes. Since there are no harmful carbohydrates in it, you can drink it quite calmly, regardless of the type of disease.

Important: the glycemic index of yogurt - 25 units.

With pancreatitis

People who suffer from pancreatitis can be given sour milk in their diet, but this should be done very carefully, since it is saturated with a large amount of lactic acid. It is recommended to drink this drink no more than two to three times a week in one glass. During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to refuse from yogurt.

With gastritis

With gastritis, yogurt is not only possible, but also necessary in your daily diet, as it positively affects intestinal motility and helps food to be absorbed faster. However, it is worth noting that not all types of yogurt can be sick with gastritis. It is best to opt for fermented baked milk or regular Mezhinkovskoy curdled milk, which do not contain preservatives or colorings.

For the intestines

As mentioned earlier, yogurt is the number one product in case of problems with the intestines, because due to its unique composition, it contributes to the rapid absorption and digestion of food. In addition, this product has a good effect on the internal intestinal microflora, saturating it with beneficial bifidobacteria and microorganisms.

For constipation

Yogurt is a wonderful way to eliminate constipation due to its mild and effective laxative effect. Due to the high content of B vitamins and minerals, it improves intestinal motility, normalizes the digestive tract and helps to quickly remove all unnecessary substances from the body.

With gout

Gout is a very insidious disease, which is very difficult to fight. The main element for good health and condition of the body is proper nutrition and a strict diet, and therefore yogurt in this case will be a real salvation for the microflora of the stomach and intestines. Due to the large number of beneficial bacteria in its composition, it significantly improves the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract with gout.

For the liver

Yogurt has remarkable antitoxic and binding characteristics, and therefore its use in liver diseases has a positive effect on both this organ and the whole organism. Due to the increased content of beneficial bifidobacteria, yogurt not only improves digestion, but also contributes to the faster elimination of harmful pathogenic substances and bacteria from the body, and due to its low calorie content it prevents liver obesity.

Yogurt in cosmetology

In addition to its healing properties for the body, and in particular the digestive tract, yogurt is incredibly in demand and popular in cosmetology, because it has exceptional qualities. It is able to improve the condition of the skin of the face, and also gives strength and shine to weakened hair.

Yogurt Hair Masks

1. Hair Max is best prepared from natural homemade yogurt, as it contains a greater amount of nutrients. Before mixing this product with other ingredients (preferably honey and eggs), it is advisable to slightly warm it. Apply this mask to dirty, slightly moistened hair, distributing from root to tip. After applying the mask, you need to wrap your head in a towel or bag and leave the composition for at least half an hour. To wash off the mask, it is better to use herbal decoctions or warm water with shampoo already dissolved in it. When the mask is completely washed off, the hair should dry in a natural way, without using a hair dryer.
2. Yogurt can be mixed with burdock oil, almond, coconut. Keeping the composition on the hair is recommended for at least 1 hour. This mask nourishes the hair well and gives it shine.

Face masks

There are many different recipes for yogurt based face masks, as it has a wonderful anti-aging effect. In addition, this product perfectly moisturizes dry and withered skin, relieves rashes and inflammations, and also helps eliminate excess pigmentation due to the whitening effect. The yogurt mask is universal, because it is well suited for any type of skin.

1. To prepare a mask for oily skin, use a mixture of yogurt with cottage cheese or freshly ground natural coffee. This composition simultaneously cleanses the pores and nourishes the skin. Hold it on your face for 15-20 minutes and wash it off.
2. Yogurt can also be mixed with clay in equal proportions.Such a mask is kept on the face until completely dry and washed off under running water.

Harm and contraindications

Although yogurt is a unique and versatile therapeutic product, it has several contraindications.

Yogurt should not be consumed by people who suffer from exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, such as pancreatitis, erosive gastritis or peptic ulcer. Also, the product is not recommended for hepatitis and gallstone disease.

How to store yogurt

Storage conditions for yogurt, regardless of whether it is factory or home, practically do not differ from standard storage conditions for dairy and sour-milk products. In closed form, factory sour milk can be stored for no more than five days, provided that it is in the refrigerator with a temperature of no higher than +5.

Homemade or unpacked yogurt should be stored under the same conditions, but its shelf life is reduced to 36 hours.

How to make yogurt at home

To cook yogurt at home, you will not need so much. First of all, you will need whole milk, preferably homemade, or with a very short shelf life. You also need a sourdough with live sour-milk bacteria, most often use bread pulp or sour cream. Depending on what kind of yeast will be selected, in the end, different types of yogurt are obtained.

Milk is poured into a large saucepan and brought to a boil, but in no case should milk be boiled and curled. After that, it is cooled to 40 degrees and add leaven to it, cover the pan with a lid, wrap it with a blanket and leave it for 7–9 hours. After time, the yogurt will be ready.

How to drink curdled milk

Despite the fact that yogurt is harmless and extremely useful, you must adhere to a certain regimen for its use so that it can have the most beneficial effect on the body. It is best to drink one glass in the morning and evening.

How much can I drink per day

There is no specific quantity or any restriction in the use of yogurt, especially if the person is absolutely healthy. However, doctors still recommend not to get involved in this drink. For maximum benefit, you can drink a glass of yogurt shortly before breakfast, add lunch to improve digestion with this drink, and drink another glass before bedtime.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

Drinking yogurt at night is not only possible, but also necessary, because the body does not sleep at night, but continues to work at the same pace, and therefore it will definitely need recharging.

A glass of yogurt in the morning on an empty stomach will help to quickly and efficiently start all the systems of the body, give vitality, improve well-being.

What can be prepared from yogurt: recipes

There are a huge number of recipes, which are based on yogurt. These are pastries, and pastries, and various desserts, as well as cheeses, cottage cheese and much more.

Fritters

Yogurt pancakes are prepared quite easily and quickly, while it turns out incredibly tasty. Everything is very simple, you need to mix the eggs with sugar and salt in a large bowl, add a little soda and pour in the yogurt. Stir well, add flour so that the dough looks like thick sour cream, and leave it alone for 10-15 minutes. From the finished dough you can now fry pancakes. Using a spoon, put the dough in a preheated pan and fry for three minutes on each side until a golden crust appears.

Pancakes

Yogurt pancakes are quite delicate and tasty. The dough for them is practically no different from the dough for pancakes, you need to mix salt, sugar, eggs, flour and yogurt, only add vegetable oil instead of soda. Pour less flour so that the dough is viscous and liquid. It is also better for him to stand for about ten minutes, after which you can start frying pancakes.

Dough

There are a lot of options for dough from yogurt, there are both fresh and butter.For the most elementary version of the test, you will need to mix the yeast, sugar and salt, pour them with slightly warmed yogurt and mix thoroughly. Add a few beaten eggs and sifted flour to the mass, mix well again and let stand in a warm place for about half an hour. Then you need to knead the dough and give it time to rise. After that, it is considered ready.

Cottage cheese

There are many ways to cook curd from yogurt, but the simplest is hot. You need to pour the yogurt into the pan and put on a slow fire, as soon as it begins to boil - immediately turn it off. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes to separate the whey. After that, discard the contents of the pan into a colander previously covered with gauze. It’s better to put some kind of container under a colander so that the serum flows there, because it is also very useful. When the whey completely drains, you need to squeeze out the mass - the one that remained in the colander will be homemade cottage cheese.

Manna

Manna from yogurt turns out to be incredibly tender and tasty, and to cook it, it does not take much time and effort. There are many recipes for manna on yogurt. The simplest of them is the classic. It is necessary to pour in the semolina of yogurt, mix well and leave for half an hour so that the groats absorb the yogurt and swell. At this time, several eggs should be beaten with a mixer along with sugar until a homogeneous air mass is obtained.

When the semolina swells, add this mass to it and mix, it is also necessary to pour a glass of flour, a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Put the finished dough in a pre-prepared greased tin and put in a preheated oven for baking. It is necessary to bake over moderate heat until a light golden crust appears. The readiness level can be checked from time to time with a wooden skewer.

Cheese

Homemade yogurt cheese is not only very healthy, but also incredibly tasty. There are a lot of ways to prepare such cheese, it can be with herbs, and with various spices or other additives. To make a classic homemade curd cheese is not so much time and effort. Whole milk must be poured into a saucepan and brought to a boil, then reduce the heat to a minimum. Separately, you need to mix the eggs with yogurt to get a homogeneous mass, and gradually pour it into boiling milk, without stopping stirring.

Next, the resulting mixture must continue to stir on fire until a yellowish-green serum begins to separate. After that, discard the contents of the pan onto a colander or sieve pre-coated with gauze and allow the serum to drain completely. Then you can already add greens or other additives, salt and seasonings to your taste in the finished mass, mix and tightly tamper into the mold. Cover with cheese polyethylene form and put on top some kind of cargo. Send in the refrigerator for several days, after which the cheese will be ready.

Brushwood

The recipe for yogurt brushwood is fairly simple. Mix the egg, salt, sugar, melted butter, a little soda and yogurt in a bowl. Beat all this well with a mixer and add the sifted flour. Knead the dough and leave it for 15–20 minutes so that it rests. Then divide into parts, roll into layers, cut into small thin strips. Make a small cut in the center of each strip and turn one edge through it. Fry these strips in a pan for several minutes on each side. Put on a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. The brushwood is ready.

Interesting facts about yogurt

Yogurt is a special and unique fermented milk product. People have known about its benefits since ancient times.When exactly the yogurt was discovered is not exactly known, however, mention of it can be found in the famous work of the Greek philosopher Homer, "Odyssey." In one of the episodes, when the main character gets into the Cyclops Cave, he comes across a vessel in which there is thick sour milk. Presumably, from that time, people began to use this drink for both eating and cosmetic procedures.

Photo yogurt