Yoghurt, a popular food import from the West, is also evolving as an alternative healthy snack food among Indian consumers.
Food experts suggest that yogurt, which is produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, can be a source of important nutrients, including protein.
"Yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that is good for people of all ages. Since it is a milk based product, it is a good source of protein, calcium and potassium. A single serving of yogurt gives a significant boost of Phosphorous, Potassium, B12, Riboflavin, Zinc, Iodine, and Vitamin B5," Dr. Nandan Joshi, head of nutrition science and medical affairs at Danone India, said.
Fermented products are a vehicle for fortification and can be an efficient tool to combat nutrient deficiencies, that is, vitamin D. Yoghurt consumers across various distinct populations appear to have healthier dietary patterns, nutrient adequacy, and lifestyles compared with non-consumers.
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According to the experts, lot of studies are being conducted to gather evidence on the health benefits of yoghurt. There is substantial evidence on health benefits of yogurt like weight management, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health and cancer.
"Recent meta-analyses have shown that dairy consumption is neutral or beneficial for weight control, coronary disease, diabetes, hypertension, and most cancers.
There is a growing interest in the relationship between yogurt and obesity, as evidenced by the number of publications on the topic over the last few years.
Yogurt may have a superior effect than other food, beverages and snacks on inducing satiety due to its high protein content. Moreover, the substitution of nutrient-poor, energy-dense items with nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt can have a beneficial impact on weight maintenance and obesity, Dif said
Bacterial fermentation of yogurt results in changing lactose (the sugar in milk) to lactic acid, and hence lower intake of lactose.
"The good bacteria present in yogurt secrete an enzyme called Galactosidase that allows them to pre-digest part of the lactose. Therefore, lactose intolerant individuals can better digest yogurt and show better tolerance to yogurt as compared to milk," Dr. Joshi said.
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