Weight Loss Help: Top 10 Superfoods - #3 Yogurt

As more and more studies are conducted on the health benefits of yogurt, researchers are finding that yogurt can, potentially, add years to the end of your life. This is because yogurt, unlike any of the other foods on this list, contains a good amount of healthy bacteria. Yogurt is made through the fermentation of milk and adds bacteria cultures into the milk. The process causes the transformation of sugar and lactose into lactic acid.

Yogurt is often mixed with fruit to improve it's taste. Not only is yogurt incredibly healthy, it is a quick and easy snack that you can eat anywhere. Also, it goes great with a ton of other healthy foods, such as: fruits, smoothies, salads, oats, granola, etc. Yogurt can be utilized in a ton of different ways, all of which can improve your personal health. Yogurt is, plain and simply, healthy for you.

As mentioned above, the health benefits of yogurt are enormous. Because yogurt contains healthy bacteria, it is separated from most other foods in providing important health benefits. Your body needs healthy bacteria in the digestive tract to get rid of harmful microorganisms. These healthy bacteria are called "probiotics." These probiotics are also the main reason why researchers suggest that yogurt can keep you living longer, because though this healthy bacteria, your immune system can be strengthened.

This healthy bacteria in yogurt is very beneficial to anyone who has gastrointestinal conditions. Yogurt can be helpful for any of the following conditions.

• Lactose intolerant
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Colon cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• H. Pylori infection

Yogurt, like all of the other foods in this series, can provide weight loss help. Research conducted at the University of Tennessee concluded that people who eat 18 ounces of yogurt per day can lose 22 percent more weight than people who do not eat yogurt on a regular basis. This is partly due to the fact that yogurt is so high in calcium. Calcium signals the fat cells in your body to stop producing cortisol, which is what tells your body to accumulate more fat in a certain area. So, yogurt not only helps you lose weight, but can also help you get rid of your belly fat.

In a recent study, it was concluded that eating yogurt on a regular basis could reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Also, yogurt has been proven to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Also, yogurt may prevent osteoporosis. Yogurt is very high in calcium and vitamin D, both of which have beneficial effects on bone mass. Some other areas in which yogurt is high in are: potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, vitamin B5 and vitamin B12.

There are many reasons why anyone looking for weight loss help and to improve their personal health should start eating more yogurt. It's a quick and easy snack that comes with a ton of health benefits. Don't wait any longer, start utilizing the power of yogurt!

While the majority of yogurt in stores contains these healthy probiotics, some do not. So, when shopping, always select the yogurt that is labeled, "live and active cultures" to ensure that you are getting the healthiest yogurt possible. It is a good idea for anyone looking to lose weight, to select lowfat or nonfat yogurt. Also, organic yogurt, made from organic milk, is becoming more widely available and is the healthiest option you can find.

A 6 oz. cup of Yoplait yogurt is generally about $.79. This can very depending on sales and whether or not you buy the yogurt in bulk packs.

You should always check the expiration date of the yogurt you buy. Yogurt should be stored in your refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to one week after it's expiration date.

This yogurt recipe is from Josie59 at allrecipes.com.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• 1 (6 oz.) container vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1/3 cup granola

Directions

1. Layer 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/3 container yogurt, 1/3 tablespoon wheat germ, 1/3 of the sliced banana, and about 2 tablespoons of granola in a large bowl. Continue to build the parfait, repeating the layers until all of the ingredients are used completely.

This recipe serves one and can be ready to eat in 10 minutes.