per 100 grams
Carbohydrates 12.3 g
12.3%
Proteins 7.3 g
7.3%
Fats 3 g
3%
Water 76.8 g
76.8%
Sugar 12 grams
Fiber 0 ug
Trans Fats 0 ug
Ash 0.6 grams

Yogurt

106 Calories per 100g

Yogurt is a health-promoting food item found in nearly every grocery store today that is widely accepted as not only nutritious but also a delicious addition to breakfast, snacks, and desserts. Yogurt is created by the bacterial fermentation of milk, and the finished product has a creamy texture that can likewise be thick, thin, sweet or tart. With modern advances in food technology and product innovation, there is a seemingly endless array of yogurt varieties waiting to be explored.

Yogurt has been around since ancient times, with evidence of its consumption widespread in virtually every culture. In Islamic countries, yogurt has long been used to enhance the flavor of stews and other savory foods, while in India it has been used in sweets and desserts. The earliest written record of yogurt appears in the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu sacred text written more than 3,500 years ago in the Indus Valley.

The process of yogurt production begins with pasteurization; the milk is heated and cooled so as to kill off any harmful bacterial life present. After pasteurization, the milk is inoculated with special cultures. Depending on the desired flavor, various types of bacterial cultures will be added. The most commonly used cultures are Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactococcus lactis. After the cultures are added to the milk, the bacteria feed on the lactose found naturally in the milk, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. This is what makes the milk thicken and become yogurt.

The next step in the yogurt making process involves the addition of stabilizers, sweeteners and flavors. Stabilizers help give the yogurt a consistent texture and consistency. Sweeteners help add sugar content as well as add flavor. Filligans, such as thick-set polysaccharides like guar gum and xanthan gum, are becoming increasingly popular in modern yogurt production. Lastly, flavorings such as fruit purees, chocolate chips, nuts and seeds are added to make each variety unique.

The health benefits of yogurt are exactly what led to its spread and popularity today. There are cultures like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that live in the yogurt and help improve digestive health by aiding in the digestion of food and providing relief from constipation, diarrhea, bloating and other digestion-related issues. Additionally, yogurt is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals such as B-12, phosphorus, riboflavin, and calcium. The protein content found in yogurt helps keep us feeling full for longer, therefore satisfying our hunger without the need for unhealthy snacks.

Yogurt is not only great for our bodies but also for our taste buds! The variety of flavors available today, from Greek yogurt to Icelandic-style yogurt, are all products of our modern society and global access to different cultures and flavors. There are Greek yogurts with all sorts of unique flavors, including blueberry, lemon, mint and passionfruit. Icelandic-style yogurts have a slightly different, icier texture and varieties like chocolate, cherry and coconut. No matter what your taste buds may desire, there is something sure to satisfy.

Age is also a factor in yogurt consumption. Toddlers and young children can benefit from introducing yogurt at a young age, as it can help to introduce them to the idea of eating more dairy products. Teens on the other hand, who have very busy lifestyles and often have difficulty making time for breakfast, can use yogurt as a quick meal replacement to stave off hunger and provide some energy for the day. Pregnant women also benefit from adding yogurt to their diets as the probiotics in yogurt can aid in digestion, helping to relieve some of the discomforts that often come with pregnancy. Additionally, yogurt makes for a great snack for older adults who need some extra energy throughout the day.

Yogurt is a nutritious and delicious snack that comes in a variety of flavors and types. Its health benefits are numerous and its uses are widespread. It can be used as a meal replacement or enjoyed as a topping for breakfast or snacks. Perfect for everyone from toddlers to seniors, yogurt is a versatile and easy way to get some nutrition while also enjoying a delicious treat.