Yogurt: an overview on the ultimate snack


What is yogurt and how it was first found?


YOGURT is made from fermented milk and a special culture that produces lactic acid when heated. Other ingredients, such as sweetness and flavorings, may be added during the processing process.

Yogurt was discovered by chance. Herders in Central Asia used to store their milk in vessels made from sheep stomachs, and the bacteria in those containers thickened the milk. This is how yogurt is thought to have been discovered. The term "yogurt" comes from the Turkish word "yogurmak," which means "to thicken."


Yoghurt

Yogurt is defined as ‘a product resulting from milk by fermentation with a mixed starter culture consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. 

  - Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), 2003



    How Is Yogurt Made?


    The method of preparation can vary depending on the type of yogurt make. Yogurt is fermented milk that has gone through a process known as lactic acid fermentation, regardless of how it was manufactured there are several helpful bacteria strains added to the milk to help get the process started right, including "L. Bulgaricus", "S. Thermophilus", "L. Acidophilus", and "Bifidus".


    Lactic acid is a byproduct of microbes fermenting lactose sugars in milk. The acidic atmosphere causes the proteins in milk to coagulate. It has a luscious, creamy texture and is loaded with probiotics.


    Simply put If you want to make your own yogurt, heat some milk and stir in some yogurt culture, such as a spoon from a previous batch of yogurt. After that, the milk combination must be kept warm for at least eight hours to allow the cultures to take root and become active.

    yoghurt - bestaiding.com


    The Nutrition Profile Of Yogurt

    The quantities shown here represent the composition for 100g of yogurt. 


    Total calories - 59.              *according to USDA data

    Total Fat

    0.4 g

    Saturated fat

    0.1 g

    Trans fat regulation 

    0 g

    Cholesterol 

    5 mg

    Sodium

    36 mg

    Potassium

    141 mg

    Total Carbohydrate

    3.6 g

    Dietary fiber

    0 g

    Sugar

    3.2 g

    Protein

    10 g

    • In addition to the nutrients listed above, yogurt contains Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Calcium, and Cobalamin.
    • Some yogurt variants on the market may not include the above-mentioned levels of nutrients, as well as other additives, and their nutritional profiles may change. As a result, always double-check the label for proper composition.


    The most impressive Benefits of eating yogurt daily


    ✅  Yogurt is high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin, among other nutrients.

    ✅ Yogurt can help you avoid diseases like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and it can also help you build stronger bones.

    ✅ Can helps to control weight.


    ✅ Probiotics added to the yogurt can help you in various health conditions such as.

    👍 Eating yogurt can boost your immunity.

    👍 Can reduce the risk of certain cancers.

    👍Can promote digestion of foods and reduce irritable bowel syndrome.

    👍Protect against vaginal and urinary tract infections.

    👍 Can cure gastric ulcers.

    👍Protects children and pregnant women against the effects of heavy metal exposure.


    A step-by-by-step approach on making your own yogurt at home.

    Making yogurt is a little more fun than doing the dishes every day. so you may pretend to be a scientist for a day When you're creating yogurt, you're essentially dealing with bacteria. Once you get the hang of it, this might be a lucrative side gig as well. To create your own yogurt, simply follow the methods listed below.



    The first step is to gather your ingredients.

    locate the milk and equipment required for the process When selecting milk, keep in mind that the higher the fat content, the creamier the yogurt. You can make this with whole milk, low-fat milk, or even skim milk.


    • A portion of yogurt will require approximately 2L of milk.
    • A heavy container, such as a Dutch oven, with a lid.
    • a half-cup of yogurt
    • To take the temperature, an instant-read or candy thermometer.


    To begin with,

    Heat the milk in a dutch oven or on the stove until it reaches 180° F - 200° F. The thermometer can be used to measure the temperature. Stir the milk gently as it heats to prevent the bottom from scorching and the milk from boiling over.


    The second step is to allow the milk to cool.

    Allow the milk to cool to about 115°F. If you want to speed up the process, pour the milk into a container and then fill your sink with water while keeping the container on top of it. Keep an eye on the temperature.


    The third step is to introduce the starter.

    Once the milk has reached the proper temperature, remove some of it from the container and combine it with the yogurt you already have. Then Pour the mixed yogurt into the warm milk while whisking gently. This introduces the first batch of live cultures to the milk, which will bloom and grow over time.


    Incubate is the fourth step.

    This is the time to step back and let the bacteria do their thing. For best results, keep the mixture close to 115°F. It should also be kept in an insulated location. You can simplify the process by purchasing and using a yogurt maker for the entire process. Alternatively, you can use your oven to incubate. After tightly closing the lid, place your container in the oven. However, do not turn on the oven. Only turn on the oven's light.


    After about 4 hours, check to see if the yogurt has set to your liking. You can check again and again until you get the flavor you want. Some people may need up to ten hours to complete this task. The longer you wait, the creamier it becomes.



    The fifth and final step

    When you think it's done, remove the container from the oven and set it aside to cool. If there is any water on the top, it can be drained. You can now serve the yogurt in individual cups. Alternatively, cover the cups and store them in the refrigerator for later use. Homemade yogurt can be stored for up to two weeks before it spoils.



    What varieties of yogurt are there?

    The variety of yogurt on the market depends on the method of production and the ingredients added both before or after the fermentation. The yogurt's true nature can be better understood by reading the label. Because most products on the market have sugar and flavors added to them.



    Stirred-style yogurt vs set-style yogurt


    Stirred-style yogurt

    Milk ferments in a fermentation container for creating stirred-style yogurt. Fermentation is done in large batches rather than in small containers. When the yogurt is finished fermenting, it is pumped through a cooler to end the process. Fruit and flavors can be added, and the mixture is then cooled and the finished items are packaged and kept in refrigerators.


    set-style yogurt (french-style yogurt)

    Set-style yogurt also referred to as French style, is made by inoculating milk with ferments and then adding other ingredients before packing. During the incubation period, the fermentation process occurs in packages, and then the product is cooled and stored in refrigerators.

    French-style yogurt is made in small batches. It ferments in individual containers rather than mixing a large batch of milk with active cultures and then dividing it.  It's unstrained, just like regular cow's milk yogurt. The texture is thinner but delicate and rich, and it's usually less sweet than cow's milk yogurt.


    What is drinking yogurt?

    Drinking yogurt is a blended yogurt with a very low solids content that has been homogenized to reduce density even further. The products are then bottled after adding sweetener, flavoring, and coloring agents. The only thing that distinguishes drinkable yogurt from other yogurts is the liquidness and packaging.



    Kefir

    Because of its thin texture, kefir is more akin to drinkable yogurt. It ferments at room temperature rather than using heat, unlike traditional yogurt. As a result, it typically contains more probiotics than other types of yogurt, though this will vary depending on the brands being compared.


    Unstrained, traditional milk yogurt

    This is your standard yogurt. Traditional yogurt is made without straining and is typically made with whole milk, 2%, low-fat, or fat-free yogurt. It is made using the above-mentioned process, yielding a medium to a finer texture that can be sour when plain. Yogurts with added sugar, flavors, and fruits are available on the market.


    Greek yogurt / Greek-style yogurt / strained yogurt.

    After fermentation, Greek yogurt is strained. This removes the whey liquid, resulting in a thicker texture; however, it may taste sourer than traditional yogurt unless flavors and sugars are added. Check the label before buying to ensure that it contains milk and live cultures, both of which are beneficial to your gut health.

    The whey or lactoserum of the milk is removed during the draining process, which explains the low lactose content of Greek yogurt.


    Australian-style yogurt

    Because of its thickness, Australian yogurt is frequently confused with Greek and Icelandic yogurt. There is, however, one significant difference. It is not strained, and it cooks for a longer period during fermentation to achieve a thicker texture. It's typically made with whole milk to add creaminess.


    Yogurt made from goat's milk and sheep's milk

    Both goat's milk and sheep's milk have a rich, creamy texture, but aren't quite as thick as Greek yogurt. It has a slightly sweet earthy quality to it. Goat's milk yogurt has a nutritional value similar to traditional yogurt. Both goat's milk and sheep's milk contain less lactose, making it a tolerable alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.


    Icelandic yogurt (skyr)

    It's becoming more popular among Greek yogurt fans, despite the fact that it's still not widely available. It's strained for longer, which removes more whey liquid and thickens it even more.


    Frozen yogurt

    Frozen yogurt is created by combining sugars, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and flavors with natural stirred yogurt.


    What Are The Vegan Yogurts That Aren't Made With Dairy? 

    Using a diary is not for people with lactose intolerants. And also some may prefer using vegan products. Luckily for them, there are few kinds of non-dairy yogurts in the market.


    Soy yogurt

    This is the most widely available dairy-free vegan yogurt in stores. From all the vegan yogurts, this one comes the closest in texture and thickness to traditional cow's milk yogurt. It has a slight sweetness to it. It also has a tangy flavor, similar to plain yogurt.


    Coconut yogurt

    Coconut yogurt has a strong flavor. Both coconut cream and coconut milk can be used to make it. Depending on the brand, coconut yogurt can be high in calories and fat. There are, however, lighter alternatives.


    Almond yogurt

    Almond yogurt has a flavor and texture that is similar to plain yogurt, but it is much denser. Because it's made by thickening almond milk with a thickener. Almond yogurt is sweet and tart at the same time.


    Cashew yogurt

    Cashew yogurt is made by blending cashews and then thickening them with probiotics. It's great for using as a cream substitute in dips and sauces because it's so creamy. Cashew yogurts, on the other hand, can taste acidic if no other ingredients or flavors are added.



    What is the best type of yogurt to buy?

    While yogurt is very healthy to eat, not all varieties provide the same benefits. So, before consuming, you should look for the ingredients and the manufacturing process. To change the color, taste, texture, and smell of the yogurt, most manufacturers add sugar, color, and other artificial ingredients. Those extra ingredients may not always be healthy to consume on a regular basis.

    Furthermore, some varieties are heated during the processing process, which kills the live probiotics. As a result, you may not receive the desired health benefits. Before you buy, check the label for the ingredients and manufacturing process. Do not look for the brand but for the ingredients and manufacturing process. Make an informed decision.


    FAQ

    • Is yogurt really healthy?

    Yogurt prepared with whole milk has nearly every nutrient a person requires. So, certainly, it is a nutritious snack. Vitamin B12, which is exclusively found in animal-derived foods and keeps your neurons and red blood cells healthy, is contained in yogurt. Yogurt also contains vitamin B2, often known as riboflavin.

    • What happen if i eat yogurt daily?

    It's incredibly nutritious, so eating it on a daily basis can help with a variety of health issues. As we mentioned earlier in this post, there are numerous advantages of consuming yogurt on a regular basis.

    • Is greek yogurt better than regular yogurt?

    The components in regular and Greek yogurt are the same, but the nutrients are different. Greek yogurt contains more protein, less sugar, and a thicker consistency than ordinary yogurt, which has less calories and more calcium. Both kinds include probiotics, which aid digestion, weight reduction, and cardiovascular health.

    • What are the side effects of eating Yogurt?

    Other than occasional reports of people becoming sick from yogurt tainted with disease-causing bacteria and certain cases of lactose intolerance, we haven't come across any significant adverse effects associated with yogurt.

    • Does yogurt make me fat?

    Although, yogurt is a healthy food to take, if you are having problems losing weight, yogurt may have a negative impact on your diet plan owing to the fat and sugar content.

    • How do you know if yogurt really contain live culture?

    Some yogurts have the "Live and Active Culture" label of the National Yogurt Association (NYA). Check the ingredient list if that tag is missing. The yogurt's probiotics are stated on the container's label. Heat processing is used in certain versions, which might occasionally destroy beneficial bacteria.


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