Yogurt means the key to health in Ayurveda. Ayur (Life), Veda (Science). Yogurt is actually a very beneficial food. Ayurveda recommends not consuming large amounts and frequently fermented foods at night, especially cheese and yogurt. Consuming about 1 tablespoon of yogurt has no serious effect, but excessive amounts of fatty, fermented dairy products can have a bloating and heavy effect on the body. Noon hours are perhaps the most suitable time to eat fermented dairy products.
Yogurt, one of the main food groups of dairy products, contains B1, B2, B12, B3, D, and E vitamins, as well as high amounts of protein, iodine, fluorine, calcium, and magnesium. It is possible to utilize fruits to compensate for the lack of vitamin C in yogurt.
- 150 grams of yogurt eaten daily meets a significant portion of the B2 vitamin requirement. When a banana is added to this, almost the entire daily B vitamin requirement can be met.
- B2 vitamin is necessary for nerve, eye, and skin health; B12 is necessary for mental development.
- Yogurt is considered protective against vaginal infections and fungus formation in women; it helps maintain pH balance.
- Probiotic substances are beneficial for various ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, heart diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, excessive weight, and colon cancer.
- It strengthens the immune system, participates in the synthesis of B group vitamins and folic acid.
- It facilitates the digestion of lactose; it is stated to be protective against diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, helicobacter, and asthma.
- Since it has a relaxing effect, it is considered ideal for good sleep.
- It is mentioned as preventive and therapeutic for acne and pimple formation; it is used by applying to the skin and eating against dandruff in hair.
- It is said to show a natural antibiotic effect against tuberculosis.
- It protects the digestive system damaged by stress, alcohol, cola, and carbonated drinks.
Some constitutions, by their nature, cannot digest the lactose in milk. Since the lactose found in milk converts to lactic acid in yogurt, these individuals can obtain the necessary nutrients from yogurt.
Research conducted in Japan and results published in the UK revealed that sugar-free yogurt eliminates bad breath and naturally prevents tartar and gum inflammations. Research conducted in the USA determined that overweight individuals who added yogurt to their low-calorie diet and ate 3 meals of fat-free yogurt daily lost more weight and burned fat more effectively, especially in the abdominal area, compared to those on a diet without yogurt.
It ensures regular bowel function by stopping the reproduction of harmful bacteria. It helps the digestive system work healthily, prevents stomach discomforts. It aids in the treatment of bowel irregularities, especially diarrhea; supports the production of B vitamins in the intestines.
It is a beneficial food for diabetics, has a blood sugar regulating effect; skimmed and non-sour yogurt should be preferred. It reduces cancer risk, has a protective effect especially against colon cancer. It reduces LDL cholesterol, provides a healthy acid-base balance in the blood. Contributes to more absorption of calcium; supports the development of children in the growth period, protects dental health and bone density.
Those using antibiotics should eat yogurt to protect beneficial bacteria that may be damaged by the effect of the drug. Yogurt also contains a prebiotic substance known as inulin, which ensures the reproduction and survival of healthy bacteria in the lower digestive system. It is recommended to be eaten with its water; vitamins are also found in its water.
Those with very sensitive stomachs and duodenal ulcers should consume with caution.
When Making Yogurt at Home
After boiling the milk, cook by stirring continuously for 5-10 minutes with a wooden spoon. If you stir by moving the spoon from bottom to top, the yogurt will be more delicious.
