Everything you need to know about Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt benefits have become increasingly celebrated over the last few years. You may know that lactose-free yogurts and extremely low-lactose yogurts are great for digestion. Greek yogurt is usually lactose-free, but some varieties are very low in lactose. The live probiotics in yogurt can lead to a decrease in stomach issues. Plus, Greek yogurt helps build a healthy immune system. If the great taste and bone health benefits aren’t convincing enough, let’s discuss three things you probably didn’t know about Greek yogurt.
Does Greek Yogurt Have Lactose?
How Much Lactose is in Greek Yogurt?
Some Greek yogurt is completely lactose-free, but Greek yogurt, in general, has a low amount of lactose and is considered safe to consume by people with lactose intolerance.To clarify, always speak with your doctor before consuming low-lactose and lactose-free yogurts or foods because everyone’s body and health are different.
Some brands make 100% lactose-free Greek yogurt. Usually, there are about 5 grams of lactose in 200 grams of Greek yogurt. To put this into perspective with other types of yogurt and cow dairy products containing lactose:
200 Grams of Greek Yogurt: 5 grams of lactose
200 Grams of Regular Yogurt: 8 grams of lactose
236.59 Grams (1 cup) of Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose
243 Grams (1 cup) Kefir: 9 grams of lactose (many kefir brands have lower lactose and are lactose-free)
Here is another way of looking at it:
Greek Yogurt: 4 grams of lactose per 6 ounces (less than 1 gram of lactose per ounce)
Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose per 8 ounces
Lactose-free Yogurts Can be Used for More than Eating
Greek yogurt benefits are quickly making their way into the
beauty world. Greek yogurt is a great ingredient to add to
any DIY face mask, moisturizer, or hair mask.
The probiotics in Greek yogurt can help reduce acne and
redness, while vitamin B12 keeps skin looking fresh.
Additionally, the thick consistency of Greek yogurt works as
an excellent moisturizer for dry or damaged hair, and it will
even help reduce frizz! Check out this Women’s Health
magazine article to learn how to incorporate Greek yogurt
into your beauty routine.200 Grams of Greek Yogurt: 5 grams of lactose
200 Grams of Regular Yogurt: 8 grams of lactose
236.59 Grams (1 cup) of Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose
243 Grams (1 cup) Kefir: 9 grams of lactose (many kefir brands have lower lactose and are lactose-free)
Here is another way of looking at it:
Greek Yogurt: 4 grams of lactose per 6 ounces (less than 1 gram of lactose per ounce)
Whole Milk: 12 grams of lactose per 8 ounces
Greek Yogurt is a Superfood
Greek yogurt is considered a superfood because it is an excellent source of protein and has low carbohydrates. It has twice the protein content and half the carbohydrates of regular yogurt. One six-ounce serving of Greek yogurt has between 15 and 20 grams of protein and five to six grams of carbohydrates.
In fact, eating Greek yogurt will give you double the amount of satiating protein as regular yogurts. Also, Greek yogurt's high amount of calcium contributes to less visceral fat. Specifically, eating full-fat Greek yogurt with no added sugars is crucial, as this will work against your goal to lose weight.
This superfood is the perfect workout recovery snack and can lower blood pressure! It can also serve as a substitute for sour cream, mayonnaise, butter, or buttermilk. Greek yogurt's unique creamy texture is full of nutrition and can enhance almost any dish.