Yogurt. I can’t say I’m as attracted to yogurt as my cats… but it’s something I’ve learned to like and for good reason. If you’re like me and not yet hooked on this food, then try it again ;). Not only has it been eaten for thousands of years, it can naturally regulate your body in amazing ways.
I can’t help but get into a little history on this one because it’s kind of crazy. No one thinks about the food on the shelf at the grocery store and how old the practice is to create it.
Did you know the practice of making yogurt can be traced back to 6000 B.C.E. in the Neolithic era. At the time herders stored animal milk in containers made from animal stomachs. These containers created natural enzymes which curdled the milk.
Of course today it is created by heating up milk in a large vat and two types of bacteria are added which feed on the milks sugar and produce a creamy texture that can be paired with anything, added to recipes or eaten plain!
No matter how it’s made, yogurt has been eaten through history. Even Genghis Khan fed his army yogurt (aka fermented mares’ milk.) It’s a staple in Indian and Turkish cuisine and the first yogurt factory was opened in 1919 in Barcelona. It was commercially made in the United States in the 1940’s and in 2019 we found that it was the perfect thing to mix your scoop of S’moo in for your perfect hormone balancing treat. ☺️
So why has this ancient food lasted?
- Calcium – Yogurt contains calcium and minerals to keep your teeth and bones healthy. Just having one cup of yogurt a day can give you nearly half of your daily calcium needs.
- Vitamins – Yogurt is high in vitamin B, particularly vitamin B12 and riboflavin which help against heart disease.
- Protein – Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt is high in protein. Its super important to get enough protein in your body each day. It supports energy and helps regulate your appetite. One study showed that people who ate a least a cup of yogurt a day consumed 100 fewer calories at dinner. Greek yogurt influences appetite even more as it has nearly twice as much protein per serving.
- Digestive Health – Some types of yogurt contain live bacteria or probiotics which may benefit digestive health when consumed. You’ll need to look on the packaging before buying for this benefit as some yogurts are pasteurized, which is a heat treatment that can kill the good bacteria it contains. Look for labels that say live or active cultures.
- Immune System – Consuming probiotic yogurts on a daily basis can strengthen your immune system. The probiotics in the yogurt reduce inflammation (linked to viral infections to gut disorders). Probiotics may also reduce the severity of the common cold. Trying to knock out a cold? Look for yogurts with added vitamin D.
- Vaginal Yeast infections – the dreaded yeast infection that happens to women and girls of all ages can be a safely and affordably treated by eating yogurt. This options works because of the Lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt. However it isn’t in all yogurt so make sure to read the labels. According to research you can also apply yogurt topically to your vagina for yeast infections… which I’d never previously heard about 😳
Is Yogurt still good for me if I have PCOS?
You’ll find mixed results when researching online for dairy and PCOS but the fact is there aren’t many studies linking PCOS and dairy anyway. Out of the two studies currently out, neither were controlled studies and both were small (one including only 24 women). When it comes to yogurt, you’ll still see mixed messages however it is suggested that Greek Yogurt without sugar added elements is still a good option for women with PCOS.
Learn your body
PCOS or not, it’s important to learn your body. As someone who has had a lot of allergic reactions to food. I’ve learned how to eliminate elements that might be affecting my body until I know exactly what is causing it and then I cut it out. If you have symptoms you don’t like, create a more simple diet for a month, get your body regulated and then start adding back the foods you love slowly. When reactions start happening (rashes, acne, stomach aches, bowl discomfort) take out your newest food changes and wait for your body to re-regulate. You’ll find a system that works best for you and in the end you’ll know what works for you because everyone is different.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is strictly the opinion of S’moo and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither S’moo nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.