Opting for plain Greek yogurt would be the healthiest choice, and you can stir in fresh fruit or granola.
Yogurt may be an important source of protein and calcium in the elderly that could potentially lead to enhancement in bone and muscle health.
Because nutritionists urge us to avoid too many sweets, going Greek is a smarter choice. “Greek has a lower amount of sugar (around 5-8 grams, compared to 12 or more grams) than the regular yogurt, while still having the high levels of vitamins and minerals,” Ewoldt says.
Like other dairy products, Greek yogurt contains natural hormones, which can be harmful to people with hormonal imbalances. The pasteurized and homogenized milk used in the yogurt can lead to histamine problems such as acne and eczema, as well as gastrointestinal problems for some people.
When selecting yogurt, the better option is to pick brands with the least sugar per serving. This means as little as possible over the around 7 grams per cup (245 grams) that is already present from lactose. Typically, the best choice is plain, unflavored yogurt.
Increase your calorie intake by eating foods like milky puddings and cheesy main courses, or vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Avoid filling up on foods that are high in saturated fat or sugars, such as sugary fizzy drinks, cakes and biscuits.
Weakened immune system: Although rare, live bacteria in yogurt can might cause illness in people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider before eating large amounts of yogurt that contain live bacteria for prolonged periods of time.
Nutrient-dense
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.
When you say "yogurt" and "bones," the mineral calcium should pop into your head. However, there are more nutrients found in yogurt that are needed for bone health. That's why cow's milk Greek yogurt tops the list as the best yogurt for strong bones.
ALDI plain non-fat Greek yogurt earns praise from Lisa Andrews, RD, and owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. “I love the full texture and tart taste of this yogurt.
Kefir contains more probiotics than any yogurt. With up to 61 different strains of microbes, it can be an excellent source of probiotics.
Greek yogurt is a great ally at breakfast because it's healthy, light, nutritious, and super versatile. In fact, most nutritionists recommend making it part of a balanced diet, since it's also low in sugar and fats (if you choose the fat-free variety, that is).
"First, whether you like low-fat, whole milk, Greek or Icelandic, any plain unflavored yogurt will contain zero added sugar," she says. Greek yogurt and Icelandic yogurts also pack more protein, which promotes fullness and satiety.
Chobani Zero Sugar Yogurt
Chobani's sugar-free option is sweetened with stevia, monk fruit and allulose, so it contains 0 grams of sugar per serving (along with 11 grams of protein and 70 calories or less, depending on the flavor).
May support gut health
Research suggests that eating yogurt regularly may help support a healthy digestive system by increasing bacterial diversity in the guts of some people ( 12 ).
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
"Regular intake of healthy bacteria, such as the kind from yogurt, has been shown to have positive effects on weight management and the GI tract," says Morgyn Clair, RD. "Eating yogurt daily can help you reach a healthy weight while still providing a satisfying snack."