It may not be entirely because of the recent pandemic, but there has been a global craze for fermented foods lately as people are becoming more interested in their health and immunity. Greek yogurt is receiving a lot of attention as a superfood, worthy of being one of the world’s top five health foods. But how is Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt?
Difference From Regular Yogurt
Despite sharing the name yogurt, Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are quite different due to the manufacturing process. Greek yogurt, which removes a significant portion of lactose during the manufacturing process, is easily digestible even for those who have trouble digesting milk. Greek yogurt also becomes denser through the concentration process, and can easily be used as a substitute for creamy textures.
Higher Calories Than Expected
Greek yogurt, while touted as a diet food, has a higher calorie content than regular yogurt. Greek yogurt has 90 calories per 100g, compared to regular yogurt with 60 calories per 100g. Greek yogurt is fermented from raw milk without additives along the Mediterranean coast. It also has about twice the protein and calcium content than regular yogurt because it removes moisture and concentrates the raw milk during production.
Why Are The Calories Higher?
The reason Greek yogurt has more calories than regular yogurt is due to its higher fat content. Fat, unlike carbohydrates, provides about 9 calories of energy per gram and is slow to digest. Also, absorption doesn’t start until it reaches the small intestine, so the proportion of fat stored as body fat is not higher than that of carbohydrates.
Lower Sugar Content Is The Key
Greek yogurt has less sugar than regular yogurt. When dieting, it’s helpful to consume less sugar and carbohydrates. Sugar and carbs are quickly absorbed into the body, raising blood sugar levels and stimulating the secretion of insulin, a hormone that regulates metabolism. Insulin turns leftover carbohydrates into body fat, so the sugar and carbohydrate content is crucial.
When Is The Best Time To Eat Greek Yogurt?
The best time to eat Greek yogurt is after breakfast or lunch when your stomach acidity is low. If you eat yogurt before breakfast, the increased stomach acid secretion overnight makes it difficult for the probiotics in Greek yogurt to reach the intestines. Therefore, if you must eat yogurt in the morning, it’s best to drink a glass of water before consuming it. Eating it before bed can stimulate overnight gastric movement, which can cause fatigue.
What Defines A Proper Greek Yogurt?
A proper Greek yogurt is fermented with only probiotics added to healthy raw milk without any artificial additives. To choose a product close to local Greek yogurt, you need to select a yogurt that is low in sugar and high in probiotics. This is because the more probiotics, the easier it is to reach the intestines. Also, the sugar content of yogurt should not exceed 10g per 100ml.
Would It Help With Dieting?
The abundant probiotics in Greek yogurt are good for intestinal health and provide a sense of fullness, making it great for dieting. If you eat Greek yogurt during a diet, it can also help with weight loss. Compared to other foods, it puts less strain on the stomach, making it a good choice for a late-night snack. It’s also beneficial for dietary fiber intake if you eat it with berries.
The Greek Yogurt Market Growth
As interest in health grows, the health food market is rapidly growing. Greek yogurt is one of the foods leading this trend. Greek yogurt manufacturers are launching high-quality Greek yogurt produced in the traditional way using distinctive probiotics. The quality of Greek yogurt available on the market is improving with the health food market expected to grow even more.
What Other Foods Pair Well With Greek Yogurt?
Unlike when it was enjoyed as a standalone snack, these days there are plenty of ways to enjoy Greek yogurt in a healthy meal, such as spreading it on bread or mixing it with salad, fruit, or nuts. Thanks to the thick texture of Greek yogurt, it’s easy to spread on food ingredients like spreads or jams. It can be used as a sauce for salmon steak or enjoyed with various food ingredients like ice cream.
How To Deliciously Enjoy Greek Yogurt
What happens when you add Greek yogurt to the familiar curry we love? The tanginess of the yogurt adds a unique and splendid touch to the meal. Adding bananas or sweet pumpkins elevate the dish even further. First, prepare finely chopped onions and sweet pumpkins. Peel and slice the bananas into round shapes. Spread coconut oil in a pot and sauté the onions. Once the onions become transparent, add water and put in the sweet pumpkins and bananas. After dissolving curry powder, add Greek yogurt when it starts boiling.
If you’re tired of eating ordinary curry, why not try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt?
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