The Health Benefits of Real Yogurt in Smoothies

There are many different types of yogurt available. Yogurts are made from cows' goats' or sheep milk and even soy milk. Yogurts are calcium and protein rich and make a tasty and healthy addition to any smoothie recipe.

Yogurts can be full fat or reduced fat, so if you are wanting to lose weight or are already on a diet, or thinking about going on a diet, find a yogurt that best suits you and use it to make great-tasting smoothies.

Fruit Flavoured Yogurts

Often, some of the fruit yogurts have a lot of sugar added to them as well as artificial sweeteners, so it is a good idea to check the label before you purchase yogurt.

Low Fat or No Fat Yogurts

For those of you wanting to lose weight, low fat or very reduced fat or no fat yogurts are the way to go and if you find their taste a little less than interesting, then you can always add some of your favourite fruit.

Smoothie Greens are a high protein addition to a smoothie and are full of great nutrients and vitamins and minerals. To find out more about Smoothie Greens, click here.

Probiotic Yogurt

 Some yogurt is probiotic which means it contains very small microorganisms that are beneficial for health.

The Functions of Friendly Bacteria 

These so-called friendly bacteria have the following functions:

  • They help in the breakdown of foods in the digestive process and increase the absorption of nutrients.
  • They help to get rid of harmful toxins in the intestines.
  • Friendly intestinal bacteria assist with the body's absorption of several of the B Vitamins including B3, B6, B12 and Folic Acid (also known as Vitamin B9).
  • Intestinal bacteria help to strengthen the amount of infection-fighting cells in the body.
  • Intestinal bacteria help to reduce the chances of intestinal infections.
  • Eating probiotic yogurt helps to reduce the chances of yeast infections.
  • Live yogurt cultures also help to assimilate cholesterol.
  • Yogurt is a rich source of protein.

 Two of the more well known names for the friendly bacteria that are present in the intestines include: Lactobacillus Acidophilus  - naturally occuring in dairy products and are also often added to yogurts and also Acidophilus Bifidus - which help to reduce cholesterol levels and removes toxins.

Add a yogurt that contains live cultures of friendly bacteria to your diet today!