Current:Home > ContactIs yogurt healthy? Why you need to add this breakfast staple to your routine. -Blueprint Money Mastery
Is yogurt healthy? Why you need to add this breakfast staple to your routine.
View
Date:2025-04-14 21:02:24
When you’re running out the door to make it to work or school on time, grabbing breakfast may fall from your priority list. But it’s important – a healthy, balanced breakfast sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
Yogurt is an easily customizable staple to keep on hand. With a wide variety of flavors, types and toppings, there’s something for everyone.
The healthiest breakfasts contains protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. So, how does yogurt measure up?
Is yogurt good for you?
Yes – yogurt is a healthy addition to any diet.
“Yogurt is a high-protein, nutrient-rich dairy food that deserves some attention, not only for its nutrition package but also because it can be served up savory or sweet," says Dolores Woods, RDN, a nutritionist with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. "Yogurt absolutely fits into healthy diets, because it contains high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, iodine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid (B5) and vitamin B12."
Yogurt contains many nutrients that are vital for the body.
“Eating yogurt is linked to better diet quality and higher nutrient consumption in children and adults," Woods says. "For example, research found yogurt eaters have higher consumption of fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D. And, research also found the highest intake of yogurt was linked with higher calcium, iodine and riboflavin consumption in children compared with non-yogurt eaters. Both studies reported that yogurt consumers had higher diet quality and better markers of metabolic health.”
Adding fat and fiber on the side or as toppings can make your yogurt go even further as a healthy meal, registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau previously told USA TODAY.
Which yogurt is the healthiest?
Greek yogurt and skyr (Icelandic yogurt) have the highest amount of protein and the lowest amount of sugar because they’re strained – you’re getting a thicker, more concentrated yogurt, according to Nadeau.
But really, any yogurt is a healthy option. It’s more about choosing a flavor and texture that tastes delicious to you. Not everyone is a fan of the thick, tangy taste of Greek yogurt.
“The beauty about yogurt is the wide variety of nutritious options that can meet individual taste, texture and wellness needs, while also being part of an overall healthy diet. Since there are many choices; it’s not fair to the public to only list one,” Woods says. However, she does offer a few tips for picking yogurt:
- Choose plain yogurt: This allows you full control of added sugar and calories by adding your own sweet or savory flavors.
- Choose yogurt flavored with real fruit: If you don’t have time to add your own flavors, go for the next best thing. You can also look for an option flavored with low- or no-calorie like sucralose or monk fruit.
- If you're watching your calories: Opt for a lower-fat, plain yogurt or a lower-fat favored yogurt without added sugar.
- Avoid mix-ins: Dessert-flavored yogurts are delicious, but pile on the sugar and calories. If you're looking for a lower-sugar yogurt, go simple.
Is there a downside to eating yogurt?
Some yogurts contain added sugar, which can bump up the calories and can be problematic if you have diabetes. Additionally, some “diet” yogurts may contain artificial sweeteners, which can irritate the gut. But, it’s OK to splurge every once in a while. “Of course, it’s A-OK to enjoy a more decadent yogurt on occasion,” says Woods.
Discover more health tips for your daily diet:
- Healthiest fruit: This one has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits
- Is almond milk good for you?:Pros, cons and benefits to know
- Healthiest oatmeal:Try building a bowl with these ingredients
- Is honey good for you?:Learn the buzzy health benefits
- Healthiest milk:This kind has more protein and less sugar
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Can you refreeze meat?" to "What is wagyu beef?" to "What is horchata?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (469)
Related
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- NFL Week 12 winners, losers: Steelers find a spark after firing Matt Canada
- Accused security chief for sons of El Chapo arrested in Mexico: A complete psychopath
- Trump takes up a lot of oxygen, but voting rights groups have a lot more on their minds
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- 2024 NFL draft first-round order: New England Patriots in contention for top pick
- Delaware County’s top prosecutor becomes fifth Democrat to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
- Horoscopes Today, November 26, 2023
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Second group of Hamas-held hostages released after hours-long delay; temporary cease-fire holds
Ranking
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, remembered in 3-day memorial services across Georgia
- Report says Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used alternate email under name of Hall of Fame pitcher
- When foster care kids are sex trafficked, some states fail to figure it out
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Cha-ching! Holiday online spending surpasses last year, sets new online sales record
- Selena Gomez Debuts Blonde Highlights in Rare Hair Transformation
- McDonald's biggest moneymaker isn't its burgers. The surprising way it earns billions.
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
NFL Week 12 winners, losers: Steelers find a spark after firing Matt Canada
College Football Playoff scenarios: How each of the eight teams left can make field
US closes border crossing to vehicles and limits traffic at another in response to illegal entries
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
6 teenagers go on trial for their alleged role in the 2020 beheading of a French teacher
Contract between Puerto Rico’s government and coal-fired plant operator leaves residents in the dark
Miles from treatment and pregnant: How women in maternity care deserts are coping as health care options dwindle