Is Yogurt Healthier Than Milk

Is Yogurt Healthier Than Milk?

Image Credit: Thodsapol Thongdeekhieo / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Dairy products are an effective part of any healthy meal plan, but choosing the right ones can make the difference between creamy smooth skin and a case of cottage cheese thighs. Milk or yogurt should be a part of your daily meal plan for the calcium and vitamin D they contain, but it doesn’t really matter which you choose. Both are as good for you as they are good to enjoy.

  Advertisement
 Tip Yogurt and milk are both healthy as long you keep an eye on the fat content in your milk and the fat and sugar content in your yogurt.

Nutrition in Dairy Products

Dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin D, calcium and potassium, which are often lacking in adult diets. Yogurt provides all of these as well as protein and the probiotics that support and encourage the beneficial gut bacteria necessary for healthy digestion and elimination. When choosing your dairy products, keep in mind that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, butter, cream cheese and cream are not considered dairy products because they contain almost no calcium. Soy milk that’s been fortified with calcium is considered a healthy dairy alternative.

  Advertisement
 
  Video of the Day
  Read More: Should You Cut Dairy From Your Diet?

Greek and Regular Yogurt Benefits

Yogurt is made by adding certain types of bacteria to milk and letting it sit at a temperature of 110 to 115 F until it thickens. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the bacteria turns the primary natural sugar in milk, which is called lactose, into lactic acid. This gives yogurt its slight tang. Greek Yogurt is made the same way, but the liquid, or whey, is strained out of it, which is why Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier and has a stronger flavor. While both types offer calcium and potassium, regular yogurt contains more. The calcium in Greek yogurt is lower because of the missing whey. A Greek yogurt vs. regular comparison done by the culinary experts at Eating Well found, however, that Greek yogurt has fewer calories and carbs, less sodium and sugar and more protein than regular yogurt.

  Advertisement
 Read More: Advantages & Disadvantages of Yogurt

Benefits of Different Milks

Skim milk contains no fat, while low-fat milk contains about 2 to 5 grams of total fat per cup. But the dietary fat in dairy foods is less a problem than previously believed. This may be due to its metabolizing differently from other types of saturated fat, muses The Dairy Council of California, but more studies are required to be certain. Milk helps keep your teeth and bones strong and helps regulate your blood pressure, which helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
 Read More: Is Cow Milk Healthy For Humans?

Enjoying Yogurt and Milk

Milk is delicious chilled and poured into a tall glass, but you can also serve it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a tablespoon of honey or even a splash of brandy to help you relax enough to sleep. And — as any child can tell you — it’s also excellent on cereal. Hot milk poured over egg noodles or pastina seasoned with salt, pepper and a sliver of butter is a quick and comforting lunch on a cold day.

  Advertisement
 Yogurt is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your kitchen. Use plain Greek yogurt on chili and soups, or in tacos and quesadillas instead of sour cream. Depending on the fat and sugar content, there are between 130 and 250 calories in a cup of yogurt, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch or hearty snack. Add fruit and granola for a luscious parfait, or season it with dill and dip fresh-cut vegetables in it as an alternative to onion dip or ranch dressing.

Read More: List of Healthy Dairy Products

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
  
  references
  
      Dairy Council of California: Nutrients in Milk, Cheese + Yogurt
    
      Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health: Yogurt
    
      Choose My Plate.gov: All About the Dairy Group
    
      Eating Well: Which is Healthier - Greek Yogurt or Regular Yogurt?
       




  references
  
      Dairy Council of California: Nutrients in Milk, Cheese + Yogurt
    
      Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health: Yogurt
    
      Choose My Plate.gov: All About the Dairy Group
    
      Eating Well: Which is Healthier - Greek Yogurt or Regular Yogurt?
    




Is Yogurt Healthier Than Milk?

Image Credit: Thodsapol Thongdeekhieo / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages

Yogurt and milk are both healthy as long you keep an eye on the fat content in your milk and the fat and sugar content in your yogurt.

      Dairy Council of California: Nutrients in Milk, Cheese + Yogurt
    
      Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health: Yogurt
    
      Choose My Plate.gov: All About the Dairy Group
    
      Eating Well: Which is Healthier - Greek Yogurt or Regular Yogurt?