Greek yogurt: A nutritional powerhouse for your diet

It's thick, intensely creamy, and has a sour flavor. In Greek cuisine, it holds a place of honor, appearing both at the breakfast table and the evening feast. Eating it benefits everyone's health because it contains a solid portion of vitamins and nutrients. It's worth reaching for not only during a grand Greek vacation but also upon returning to American reality.

Greece is not just the land of mythical gods, beautiful landscapes, and hot sun. It’s also the birthplace of extraordinary cuisine, famous for its fresh products and simple yet flavorful dishes. One of the most essential ingredients of the Greek diet is yogurt. It’s the foundation of quick breakfasts, where you need to add honey, fruits, and tzatziki sauce. Besides its taste qualities, yogurt boasts numerous properties worth including in your diet.

Compared to the more popular natural yogurt in the U.S., Greek yogurt has more fat and protein, and thus also slightly more calories. Despite this, it's worth introducing it to your diet.

Let's start with the intestines, the second brain of our body. They are crucial for maintaining health and good immunity, even during illness seasons. Greek yogurt supports their function. Its probiotics positively affect the gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

Greek yogurt also contains a large amount of vitamins B12 and B2. Vitamin B12 is essential for properly functioning the nervous system, aiding in producing myelin, which surrounds and insulates nerve fibers. Vitamin B2, on the other hand, is a component of enzymes necessary for maintaining good vision.

Even children know that calcium is the main building block of bones, and Greek yogurt provides it. It also contains phosphorus, which, along with calcium, is invaluable in preventing osteoporosis.

Protein is essential for building and regenerating tissues, including bones. Thanks to its thick consistency, Greek yogurt is an excellent nutrient source.

When choosing Greek yogurt, pay attention to its ingredients. Choosing natural products without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other unnecessary additives is best. The shorter the ingredient list, the better.