benefits of a cup of Yoghurt per day

Read & Digest the benefits of a cup of

Yoghurt per day.

A cup of yoghurt a day... is a way of keeping the doctor away.

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Research proves that yoghurt is not just a food accompaniment,

a dessert or merely a diet food. There is growing evidence

to show that it is packed with microscopic warriors -

Beneficial bacteria that are essential for good health.

It is also a nutritional goldmine.

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According to the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad,

a cup of yoghurt (250 mg) contains 370 mg of calcium

(compare that with 300 mg in 250 ml of milk).

This is 30-40 per cent of most adults' daily needs.

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Besides, at eight grams of protein per cup, yoghurt meets 20-25

per cent of an adult's average daily needs. It is also a good

source of Vitamin B (including folacin) and phosphorus.

And, a cup of yoghurt contains 250 mg of potassium -

almost as much as a banana does.

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"If you want to have your own stockpile of B vitamins without

having to buy them, eat yoghurt. By a strange chemistry,

it sets up an efficient little factory in the intestinal tract and

manufactures B vitamins for you," says Pratima Kaushik,

chief dietician at the Vidyasagar Institute of Mental

Health and Neurosciences, Delhi.

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Besides, yoghurt also provides lactic acid, which aids protein,

calcium and iron assimilation.

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For those on a low-calorie diet, yoghurt is a boon in any case.

"Easily available anywhere, it is a snack that tastes great at any time of

the day; it is low in calories and can be sufficiently filling when

combined with a high-fibre vegetable or fruit," says Dr Shikha Sharma of

Clinic deRejuvenation, Delhi.The benefits of yoghurt go beyond its

nutritional value and low-calorie appeal.

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The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, in an article published

in 2000, says, "Increased yoghurt consumption may enhance the

immune response, which would in turn increase resistance to

immune-related diseases."

In addition, yoghurt plays an important role in restoring the

digestive tract to its normal condition after a course of antibiotics.

"The drugs often wipe out every bacterium in their path, good and bad,

altering the natural balance of the digestive tract. When harmful

bacteria dominate the intestine, essential nutrients are not produced

and the levels of damaging substances, like carcinogens and toxins, rise.

By killing the harmful `bugs,' yoghurt helps maintain a healthy balance

of intestinal bacteria," Says Dr. Mridula Chichra,

a Delhi-based gynaecologist.

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In the Indian context particularly, doctors and practitioners

of alternative medicine, often recommend yoghurt to patients recovering

from diarrhoea, and help ease other intestinal tract ailments.

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Elixir for women

Women stand to benefit immensely from yoghurt. For instance,

women are often prone to vaginal candidosis, which causes itching

and possibly, a thick, white discharge.

The risk of this infection increases during pregnancy, diabetes

or when a woman is on birth control pills.

"Eating yoghurt that contains natural bacteria and yeasts

helps re-establish the equilibrium," says Pratima.

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A study conducted by E. Hilton et al (Annals of Internal Medicine) in 1992,

found that yoghurt consumption decreased vaginal infections three-fold.

"A particular feature of vaginal infection is the reduction or absence of

lactobacilli in the vaginal flora. Yoghurt is full of lactobacilli, hence,

the logic in its use," explains Dr. Mridula.

Then, of course, there is osteoporosis, especially in women.

Studies have shown that most people consume far less calcium

than the recommended daily levels, which could cause osteoporosis.

While there are many calcium supplements that are not readily or

effectively absorbed, yoghurt provides an excellent source of

easily absorbed calcium.

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That's not all. Daily consumption of yoghurt also helps improve

complexion, making it more radiant.

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A word of caution, though. The fruit varieties of yoghurt are high

in calories, even though it has a low-fat profile.

"The jams and fruit concoctions added for flavor can dump in as much as

seven teaspoons of sugar per cup and more than double the calories.

So go easy on these, particularly when calories are a concern," says Dr. Shikha.

If you want a fruit flavour but do not want to lose out on calcium or gain

calories, mix chopped fruit with yoghurt. You'll get all the calcium, and

also the extra vitamins and fiber from the fruit.

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However, to be effective, yoghurt must contain sufficient amount of`live'

lactic cultures, meaning it must be `fresh.'

Make it at home, is Dr Shikha's advice.

Or, when buying it, look for packing as close to the date

of manufacture as possible to get maximum beneficial bacteria.

She adds, "Always keep it cold, as the helpful bacteria in yoghurt

cannot withstand high temperatures."