How is yogurt made? Yogurt is made by adding specific bacteria to milk and allowing it to ferment. These bacteria turn some of the milk sugar, lactose, to lactic acid and acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a compound that gives yogurt its famous tarty flavor. Other ingredients such as sweeteners, flavorings, fruits, stabilizers and preservatives may also be added.
Yogurt is an important part of the dairy food group. It is a rich source of quality protein, vitamin A, calcium, riboflavin and other B vitamins. Also, did you know that 1 cup of fruit yogurt has the same amount of calcium as one cup of milk.
Including yogurt as part of your diet is an easy way to help you meet your daily required servings of dairy products. Yogurt can make a wonderfully healthy snack, a delicious dessert, a tasty topping and more.
- Besides its great nutritive value, yogurt has been shown to have other health benefits. Did you know that the live bacterial cultures found in many yogurts are actually good for you!These bacteria help maintain the normal flora of your gut and prevent potentially harmful bacteria from taking over. This is especially useful for those taking antibiotics.
- Studies also suggest that yogurt containing L.acidophilus bacteria can decrease episodes of bacterial vaginosis and can reduce the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections.
- If that isn't enough, scientists are looking into the role that these bacteria may play in fighting infection, reducing LDL-cholesterol and in helping reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer.
- There's more! Many people who have lactose intolerance seem to be able to eat yogurt without any problems. This may be because of the lower content of lactose found in some yogurts, it's thick consistency and also the presence of lactase enzyme found in the bacteria.
