Yogurt is a great source of vitamins,
calcium and protein, suitable for a healthy diet and a great alternative
to less healthy snack foods, desserts and toppings. When scanning
across the local, neighborhood market for a tub or pack of yogurt, one
may came across a type of yogurt that many are unfamiliar with - Greek
yogurt. Here is a helpful explanation of the key differences between
these two types of yogurts and how they are both beneficial to a healthy
diet.
Production
The production of yogurt consists of the bacterial fermentation of
milk, where live microorganisms, known as probiotics, are added to the
milk to help create the final product. Greek yogurt is made in a similar
fashion, but with an extra process of straining and filtering with a
cloth or paper bag to remove the whey. This gives Greek yogurt a thicker
consistency that is somewhere between that of yogurt and cheese. The
extra straining and filtering also prevents the runny, liquid build-up
commonly found on the top portion of yogurt containers that have been
stored.
Probiotics
Both regular yogurt and Greek yogurt contain probiotics, which are
sometimes referred to as "good" bacteria. These probiotics are
beneficial to a healthy digestive system by maintaining the balance of
organisms found in the intestines. Probiotics used in the production of
yogurt have also been found to strengthen the immune system and help
battle illness and infections.
Protein
Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which is important for
muscle building and recovery. After a strenuous workout, yogurt can
provide the protein needed to create the amino acids used for muscle
repair. Protein has also been known for making people feel fuller, which
is helpful for curbing hunger cravings. When considering regular yogurt
or Greek yogurt as a source of protein, look to Greek yogurt as a more
significant source. Greek yogurt tends to contain a higher concentration
of protein due to the straining and filtering used in the production
process. The higher levels of protein make Greek yogurt very appealing
to those who exercise regularly.
Sugar, Sodium and Carbohydrates
The straining and filtering process used when making Greek yogurt
reduces the amount of sugar and carbohydrates found in regular yogurt.
This can make Greek yogurt seem more appealing to those with diabetes,
or people looking to increase their protein intake, while reducing the
amount of carbohydrates they consume. Greek yogurt has also been found
to contain half the amount of sodium found in regular yogurt, which is
another benefit of the straining and filtering process used in the
production of Greek yogurt.
Calcium
Calcium is important to the body because it helps strengthen the
bones and teeth. Regular yogurt is an excellent source of calcium,
especially for those who fall short of the recommended daily consumption
of calcium needed for a healthy body. While Greek yogurt also contains a
significant amount of calcium, it falls short of its regular
counterpart. In fact, most regular yogurts tend to contain three times
the calcium found in Greek yogurt, making regular yogurt the better
choice for those looking to add more calcium to their diet.
Calories and Fat
When comparing Greek yogurt to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has
significantly more fat and calories than the regular version. Those who
prefer Greek yogurt, but are worried about the fat content and added
calories should look for Greek yogurt made from nonfat or low-fat milk.
Due to the increased consistency and creaminess of Greek yogurt, the
nonfat and low-fat versions of Greek yogurt may be a passable substitute
to Greek yogurts made from whole milk.
Cost
Greek yogurt tends to be pricier than regular yogurt due to the way
it is produced. With the extra steps of straining and filtering, the
production cost of Greek yogurt is higher than regular yogurt, leading
to a higher price. Since Greek yogurt also requires additional milk to
produce an amount equal to that of regular yogurt due to the straining
and filtering. Escalating customer demand and lower availability are
also factors that play into the higher cost of Greek yogurt.
Things to Remember
When making the decision between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt, it
is important to consider the differences in health costs and benefits
between the two. While one may contain more protein, it may also contain
less calcium and more fat. Those looking for a dietary substitute to
fatty snacks may prefer regular yogurt, while bodybuilders and athletes
might find the high protein and low carbohydrate content of Greek yogurt
more appealing. There is, of course, one more underlying factor that
may trump the rest, and that is the difference in overall taste.
