WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING YOGURT: 4 NOURISHING CONSIDERATIONS FROM DR. JANNA IN LONDON ONTARIO

admin
August 15, 2024

What to look for when buying yogurt in London, Ontario is important for your overall health. As a chiropractor, I focus on whole-body wellness, and that includes the right nutrition. Yogurt can be a fantastic source of probiotics and healthy fats, but not all yogurts are created equal. My goal is to help you make better choices for your digestive and overall health by choosing high-quality, organic options that align with your wellness journey here in London, Ontario.

Yogurt is trending. People are buying yogurt more than ever. Yogurt consumption in London, Ontario has doubled over the last decade [1]. Greek yogurt, the strained, extra-creamy, higher protein yogurt, has become particularly popular in the last few years.

Yogurt seems worthy of our devotion. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, and it’s easy to pack and go for snacks and in lunch pails.

What to Look for When Buying Yogurt in London, Ontario

When it comes to yogurt, making the healthiest choice is essential. Whether you’re seeking digestive benefits or just a nutritious snack, here’s what to look for when buying yogurt in London, Ontario.

Why buying organic yogurt is best

The primary problem with all conventional yogurt is that it is made with milk from cows that are not given their natural diet of grass, instead, they are fed corn and soybeans.

The problem with that diet is that most corn and soybeans grown in Canada are genetically modified [2]. As well, corn is high in Omega-6 fats, meaning yogurt made with milk from corn-fed cows is also high in Omega-6 fats [3] [4], and Omega-6 fats are pro-inflammatory which promote inflammation, an underlying issue in most chronic illnesses and disease [5].

In addition, milk from conventionally fed cows lacks nutrition.

Organic milk has been measured to have significantly higher levels of antioxidants than does conventional milk [6], beta carotene (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E) [7] and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fats; therefore, when buying yogurt, look for organic yogurt which is readily available at most large grocery stores and at Costco.

Avoiding Unhealthy Additives

Most of the yogurt on our grocery store shelves contain chemical additives, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and flavorings to make it taste better or to give it the creamy texture we like.

Watch out for additives like these: demithylpolysiloxane (a defoaming agent in low-fat yogurts) [8], carrageenan (an additive known to bring on gastrointestinal issues) [9], xanthan gum [10], modified cornstarch [11], food starch, pectin and gelatin and artificial colors [12] and flavors [13].

It is therefore recommended that when buying yogurt, opt for plain yogurt. If you want to make your plain yogurt taste better, add a little maple syrup as a natural sweetener, add pure vanilla extract, fruit and or a little low carbohydrate granola.

Why Full-Fat Yogurt is the Best Option

Full-fat yogurt is often a better choice due to its higher nutrient content. In London, Ontario, many consumers are turning to full-fat options for better digestion and longer-lasting energy.

Whole-milk dairy, which includes yogurt, is associated with important health benefits and can help with four of the most popular health problems people are facing today.

Palmitoleic acid, naturally occurring in full-fat dairy, protects against insulin resistance and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [14].

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fat naturally found in cow’s milk, significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer [15].

Consumption of full-fat dairy products may play a role in weight regulation. One study suggested that women who ate at least one serving of full-fat dairy a day gained less weight over a period of time compared to those who ate low-fat or no dairy products [16].

Another study found that people who ate the most full-fat dairy were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who ate low-fat dairy [17]. It is therefore recommended that when buying yogurt look for full-fat whenever possible, and if you can find and afford it.

The Importance of Live Cultures

Live cultures in yogurt promote healthy digestion and boost immunity. When buying yogurt in London, Ontario, always check the label for live cultures to ensure you’re getting the best benefits for your health.

Prepared in the traditional way, whereby living cultures ferment raw milk from pasture-raised cows, yogurt is an excellent food source. Sadly, when it is prepared by the modern dairy industry and makes its way to our grocery store fridges, much of its goodness is depleted, and it is little more than creamy junk food. The types of yogurt I’m talking about including any yogurt made with conventional dairy, whether it’s low fat, no fat, full fat, flavored, plain, Greek or regular.

What This Means to You…

If you like yogurt, please try to eat plain, whole milk, organic yogurt, that you can sweeten with fruit, or a natural sweetener like stevia, maple syrup, unpasteurized honey, chicory root, or monk fruit. Better yet, make your own yogurt with raw, grass-fed whole milk.

When I buy yogurt, I look for plain, organic yogurt with as high a fat content as I can find. The ingredient list is short: organic milk and bacterial culture.