Yogurt Facts

Yogurt is a mix of milk and live and active cultures. The cultures, lactic-acid producing bacteria, are used to ferment the milk to make yogurt.

Varieties

• Yogurt comes in many varieties including that made with whole, reduced-fat, low-fat and non-fat milks. It can contain sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners and other additives. Types include organic, goat and soy, protein- and fiber-enhanced, and Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and uses a centuries-old straining process to remove the liquid.

Nutrition

• An average 8-oz. serving of yogurt has 8 to 10 grams of protein and up to 35 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Benefits

• According to a 2000 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and a 1992 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, yogurt may help prevent yeast infections and boost immunity. The live and active cultures in yogurt may help protect the intestinal tract, increasing resistance to cancer and infection.

Trends

• Yoplait and Dannon are among yogurt makers that are marketing products, such as Yoplus and Activia, with specific claims to regulate the digestive system.

Fun Fact

• Yogurt is available in nearly 50 different flavors, according to the National Yogurt Association.