Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Greek Yogurt Bad For You?


Grade

A-


Short answer

Greek yogurt is not bad for you. While there can be a decent amount of fat present, getting a reduced fat or fat-free version will take care of this problem.

Grade

A-

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Is Greek yogurt some fancy type of yogurt made in Greece and then imported to the United States?  Not quite.  Greek yogurt is yogurt which has been strained to remove most of the whey, lactose, and sugar content.  Don't let the fact that it doesn't come from Greece stop you from buying some, though.  Greek yogurt is a great way to stay healthy - especially for vegetarians.  Taking a 6 oz portion as our serving size, Greek yogurt provides you with around 15-20 grams of protein.  Essential for cell repair, organ function, and as a source of energy, protein is often thought of as coming from meats.  This makes Greek yogurt an excellent choice for vegetarians who may otherwise be lacking in protein.  Another important nutrient vegetarians often lack is vitamin B12.  A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage among other problems.  Fortunately, Greek yogurt is also a great source of this nutrient, meaning vegetarians needn't turn to supplement pills to get their daily dose.

Yet another benefit of Greek yogurt is that it is low in sodium, while being high in potassium.  Potassium acts as a counter to the negative effects of consuming too much sodium by helping to regulate blood pressure.  Probiotics found in Greek yogurt help reduce the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the gut and intestines, leading to overall better digestive health.  

Greek yogurt is also an excellent choice for those looking to shed a few pounds (provided you get the reduced fat or fat-free version). First of all, it is a very good source of the mineral iodine, which is vital in thyroid function.  The thyroid gland is an important part of metabolism.  Furthermore, it contains a high amount of calcium (20% of the daily recommended value per serving). Calcium, a mineral, is responsible not just for strengthening bones, but also for reducing cortisol output. An increase in cortisol has been linked with fat storage and weight gain.

Whether you are looking to maintain or lose your weight or are a vegetarian looking for ways to gain important nutrients often found more abundantly in meats, Greek yogurt is a great, healthy choice.


Possible long-term side effects

  • constipation
  • diabetes (in flavored varieties)

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • boosts metabolism
  • great vegetarian source of protein and vitamin b12
  • promotes weight loss
  • promotes healthy digestion
  • reduces risk of hypertension
  • reduces risk of heart disease

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Siggi's Nonfat Yogurt

  • Icelandic-style strained
  • Protein-rich snack
  • Peach flavored
  • Thick texture
  • Nonfat
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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