There's no doubt about it: Americans love their yogurt. Supermarkets all over the country have huge sections devoted to different brands, and new flavors seem to pop up overnight. Yogurt can be found in tubes, cups, beverages and jars, and can be used as an ingredient in many different foods.
Identification
Yogurt is a type of cultured milk, similar to sour cream, buttermilk and kefir. It has been a staple food in Eastern European countries, such as Turkey and Bulgaria, for centuries but only spread to the rest of the world in fairly modern times.
It contains the microorganisms Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus and is most often made with cow's milk. It has a tart flavor and a thick, creamy consistency; it is usually flavored with fruit and sugar.
Function
Yogurt is a readily available, easily portable, nutritious snack or meal, which makes it a good choice for busy people who must frequently eat on the run. Yogurt can also be found as an ingredient in salad dressings, breads, sauces, dips and frozen desserts. Yogurt-covered raisins and pretzels make a delicious treat, and many people enjoy stirred into granola or breakfast cereal.
Yogurt also has become popular with children. There are many flavors and containers specifically designed for kids, and the marketing campaigns feature such characters as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants.
Types
Most people are familiar with the custard-type yogurt, which has the fruit mixed throughout the yogurt, and the fruit-on-the-bottom type. But there are other types of yogurt as well: Greek-style yogurt, which is strained to give it a thicker, creamier consistency; liquid or drinkable yogurt; and nonfat yogurt for those watching their fat intake.
There are also yogurts made from goat's milk, sheep's milk and soy, for those who have milk allergies or don't like cow's milk. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is widely available for you to flavor according to your preferences or for use in making sauces, breads or other dishes.
Benefits
Yogurt is a good source of calcium, protein, phosphorous, riboflavin and magnesium. It contains beneficial types of bacteria that can help support your immune system and maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your digestive tract. Yogurt is easier to digest than milk because the bacteria break down the lactose that can be difficult for some people to digest.
Considerations
Some types of yogurt are very high in sugar and calories and should be eaten only occasionally, as a dessert. To get the most benefit from yogurt, buy only the types that state on the label that they contain live, active cultures; heat-treated yogurts do not contain these beneficial bacteria. Avoid yogurts that contain artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
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