Yogurt & Weight Loss

Yogurt is considered by many nutritionists to be a "super food" that's high in calcium, Vitamin D and many other essential nutrients. In addition, yogurt helps regulate the digestive system, and it may even have natural weight-loss properties to help those who consume it regularly lose unwanted pounds.

Features

Yogurt is a food product made from bacterial cultures, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. acidophilus, as well as L. bifidus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The product is available in grocery stores nationwide and is also made in a variety of flavors, including fruit and dessert flavors.

Health Benefits

Yogurt is high in calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and many essential minerals. Researchers also believe that regular consumption of yogurt may help boost the immune system, which can reduce the frequency and severity of colds.

Digestive Benefits

In addition to calcium and minerals, yogurt may also contain natural digestive health properties. Nutritionists believe the product improves colon health, and yogurt has long been used to prevent and cure diarrhea. In addition, women who consistently suffer from vaginal itching or yeast infections may find relief from regular yogurt consumption.

Weight Loss Benefits

Yogurt is made using a variety of milks, including whole milk, 2 percent milk, 1 percent milk and fat-free milk. However, recent studies have determined that yogurt made with fat-free milk may help people shed unwanted pounds. A 2005 study completed by the International Journal of Obesity determined that obese adults who ate three or more servings of fat-free yogurt a day as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost nearly 25 percent more weight and 60 percent more body fat than those who only cut calories. Those who consumed yogurt also lost 80 percent more stomach fat than non-yogurt eaters.

Considerations

Although it appears as though dieters who consume three or more servings of yogurt a day are more likely to lose weight, results may be attributable to the high intake of calcium and not necessarily the bacterial cultures found in yogurt. In addition, because yogurt is low in fat and relatively dense, the product may also simply fill up consumers more than other low-fat items, reducing cravings and hunger.

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