Healthy Foods from A-Z, “Y”

April 26, 2016 Meredith Mitchell

Good Morning Everyone!

We are on to the letter “Y” in our journey through the alphabet of healthy foods!

Yogurt-

As one of the oldest and most popular fermented foods, yogurt is known around the world. It is produced by bacterial fermentation of milk.

There are several different types of yogurt available:

Whole-Food (Full-Fat) Yogurt
Greek Yogurt
Soy Yogurt
Lactose-Free Yogurt
Flavored or Fruited Yogurt (beware of the sugar content!!)
Kefir

Yogurt is highly nutritious and is an excellent of calcium, potassium and a good sources of protein with Greek yogurt containing the most. It also provides numerous vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits:

Yogurt with active cultures helps our gut health and aids in treating certain gastrointestinal conditions like constipation and lactose intolerance
Contains probiotic strains that boost the immune system
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Reduces the risk of high blood pressure
Helps you feel fuller longer

Yogurt is extremely versatile. You can dip it, spread it, freeze it, add fruit to it or eat it plain.

Some other ideas of ways to eat yogurt include:

Make a breakfast parfait by layering yogurt, dry cereal or granola, and topping with your favorite fruit
Top waffles or pancakes with yogurt and sliced strawberries
Enjoy a mid-day snack by blending yogurt, fruit and juice to make a delicious smoothie
Dip raw vegetables in plain yogurt
Use yogurt for salad dressing and dips
Serve plain yogurt on quesadillas, tacos, soups and chili—as an alternative to sour cream

For more information visit:

http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1011102-type-yogurt-you-pros-cons-13-different-kinds/#slide=1

http://www.healthyeating.org/Milk-Dairy/Nutrients-in-Milk-Cheese-Yogurt/Yogurt-Nutrition.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-yogurt?page=2

**The nutritional value will vary depending on the yogurt you choose. You can use www.myfitnesspa.coml or www.caloriecount.com or calorie and nutrition information on some of your favorite yogurt brands: http://www.caloriecount.com/tag/food/yogurt

Some great and healthy recipes for yogurt include:

Scallion-Dill Potato Salad – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/scallion_dill_potato_salad.html

Lemon Horseradish Dip – http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lemon-horseradish-dip

5-Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt – http://www.justataste.com/5-minute-healthy-strawberry-frozen-yogurt-recipe/

Quinoa Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes – http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/03/quinoa-whole-wheat-greek-yogurt-pancakes-the-healthiest-pancakes-ive-ever-made/

Yams –

Yams, often confused with sweet potatoes, are a tuber native to Africa and Asia. Yam flesh ranges in color from tan to pink or purple. Yams tend to be dry and starchy, providing a healthy energy source with important nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits:

Good source of vitamin B6, believed to reduce the risk of developing heart diseases
A good source of important antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin C
Low glycemic index food, diabetics can eat yams without worrying about a rise in blood sugar level
Reduces constipation and aids in healthy digestion
Helps to decrease bad cholesterol
Daily consumption increases nutrient absorption in the body
Has the ability to increase learning and memory capacity in our brains
A cancer deterrent especially of colon cancer

Be sure to choose yams that are firm and do not have any cracks, bruises or spots.

*Do not buy refrigerated yams as cold temperatures can alter their taste*

Yams can be used in a variety of cuisines, either boiled, baked and even roasted. It can also be used in the preparation of cakes, muffin and bread.

For more information visit:

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-yam-for-skin-hair-and-health/

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-of-yam/