Food Myths About Yogurt

Yogurt is a popular product made from milk that has been allowed to ferment. It comes in different flavors and can be paired with other items such as fruit, nuts, or granola. For as good as it is to eat, yogurt has always been surrounded by myths about its benefits.

Good Bacteria

• Good bacteria such as probiotics are found in yogurt. This kind of bacteria does reduce the bad bacteria in a body. The myth suggests eating yogurt alone will accomplish this, but most commercial yogurt does not contain enough beneficial bacteria to work effectively. The probiotics in yogurt can only work if yogurt is consumed on a daily basis in conjunction with other healthy nutritional choices.

Yeast Infections

• Some myths say people with yeast infections can cure it with yogurt. In fact, yogurt does not cure yeast infections. Unsweetened yogurt can help treat or prevent yeast infections. Eating sugar-free or organic yogurt on a daily basis helps balance the sugars in the body.

Weight loss

• Yogurt is a good source of calcium, but by itself does not lead to weight loss. It can only help a diet if it's used in a program with other healthy foods. Adding honey to unsweetened yogurt will give it extra flavor and increase the good bacteria. If unsweetened yogurt is not an option, choose a yogurt with 12 g or less per serving.

Organic yogurt

• Organic yogurt can be more expensive than regular yogurt, but it does have healthier benefits. Organic yogurts contain ingredients that were not treated with hormones or antibiotics.