Benefits of Yogurt on Gut Health

Within the dairy products food group, yogurt is a nutrient-dense food with high digestibility, bioavailability of nutrients and contains lactic acid bacteria, which may affect gut microbiota. 

Moreover, consuming at least one serving of yogurt per day may help to increase the intake of many shortfall nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium to meet dietary requirements. In surveys, yogurt consumers had higher intakes of calcium, vitamin D, protein and potassium and lower intakes of total and saturated fats compared with non-consumers.[2]

When examining the overall health impact of yogurt, emerging research has demonstrated that it may have positive effects on gut microbiota, bone health, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. 

• Enhanced nutrient bioavailability and digestion: yogurt's fermentation process plays a pivotal role in increasing nutrient bioavailability. The decrease in pH during fermentation creates an acidic environment that improves the absorption of essential nutrients.
• Maintenance of gut microbiota: beyond being a probiotic-rich food, yogurt actively contributes to maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. The live cultures in yogurt support the balance of beneficial bacteria, promoting overall gut health.
• Release of bioactive peptides: the fermentation process releases bioactive peptides in yogurt. These compounds play a significant role in various physiological functions, contributing to the overall health of the digestive system.
• Improved lactose digestion: yogurt, with its live cultures, has demonstrated beneficial effects on lactose digestion. [3]

Yogurt provides an excellent source of highly bioavailable protein and calcium and is a source of probiotics that are believed to provide a range of health benefits, including the support of a healthier gut. Yogoody offers a range of yogurt cultured dairy and non-dairy drink powders to enjoy the goodness of yogurt with ease.

[1] Panahi S, Fernandez M, Marette A et al. Yogurt, diet quality and lifestyle factors. Eur J Clin Nutr 2017; 71: 573–579.

[2] Keast D, Hill Gallant K, Albertson A, Gugger C, Holschuh M. Associations between yogurt, dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intake and obesity among US children aged 8-18 years: NHANES, 2005-2008. Nutrients 2015; 7: 1577–1593.

[3] Fernandez M, Panahi S, Daniel N, Tremblay A, Marette A. Yogurt and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Critical Review of Potential Mechanisms. Adv Nutr. 2017; 8(6):812-829.