But there's also research suggesting that yogurt is specifically good for heart health: Yogurt has been linked to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And some research shows that eating yogurt as part of a healthy diet can help prevent long-term weight gain, which is good for the heart.
Greek yogurt has been connected to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Yogurt, of any kind, is good for everyone
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Not all dairy is made equal, Dr. Ivey noted. “The health benefits of daily yogurt consumption stood apart from other dairy in people's diet, such as milk and cheese.
The bottom line
While regular yogurt tends to have fewer calories and more calcium, Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar — and a much thicker consistency. Both types pack probiotics and support digestion, weight loss, and heart health.
"Yoghurt is especially interesting because it also contains bacteria that promote the release of proteins which lowers blood pressure. "This study showed for people with elevated blood pressure, even small amounts of yoghurt were associated with lower blood pressure.
Full-fat yogurt
Research associates increased intake of full-fat fermented dairy products with reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes ( 23 ).
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense dairy product that's packed with minerals that help regulate blood pressure, including potassium and calcium ( 29 ).
Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
Icelandic yogurt is strained more than Greek yogurt, leaving it with higher protein content. Oikos Pro is protein packed and contains little sugar and fat, landing it the number two spot on the list. Coming in at No. 1 is Siggi's Strained Icelandic-Style Skyr.
In a study of senior women, those who ate at least a 1/2 cup of yogurt per day had healthier arteries from the yogurt benefits compared with those who ate less of the tangy stuff. Living a healthy life helps reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk at any age, but it's especially important as you get older.
A new study in the American Journal of Hypertension, published by Oxford University Press, suggests that higher yogurt intake is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive men and women. High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Therefore, those with lactose intolerance may need to avoid yogurt. However, some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it. Some of the lactose breaks down during production, and probiotics may assist with its digestion ( 54 ).
Oatmeal and bran cereals are a heart-healthy way to start your day. They've got soluble fiber, which helps lower your LDL "bad" cholesterol. Other good sources are beans and whole grains like barley. You can also get it as a supplement, like psyllium, but a diet that's got lots of fiber is best.
Water is the drink of choice for heart health. If you're thirsty, drink water.
Opting for plain Greek yogurt would be the healthiest choice, and you can stir in fresh fruit or granola.
Greek yogurt is a far more nutritious option. “Six ounces contain 15 grams of protein — two to three times the amount you'd find in regular yogurt and more than the amount 2 ounces of meat or two eggs provide,” notes Hopsecger. Greek yogurt also boasts probiotics, the healthy bacteria that support gut health.
Eating two to three servings of yogurt per week decreases sugar and caffeine cravings. This helps with weight management and improved heart health. It also reduces the risk of diabetes and age-related cognitive impairment.
Low-fat, and fat-free dairy foods like Chobani® yogurt are part of a recommended healthy eating pattern that provides an excellent source of protein, a balance of good fats, and a host of naturally occurring essential vitamins and minerals.
Some studies suggest that having certain types of good bacteria may help insulate people from certain health woes. There is some evidence that probiotics, like those found in yogurt, can help improve symptoms of some digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and certain types of diarrhea.
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).