Is Greek Yogurt Bad For You?
Short answer
Greek yogurt is not bad for you. While there can be a decent amount of fat present, getting a reduced fat or fat-free version will take care of this problem.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Is Greek yogurt some fancy type of yogurt made in Greece and then imported to the United States? Not quite. Greek yogurt is yogurt which has been strained to remove most of the whey, lactose, and sugar content. Don't let the fact that it doesn't come from Greece stop you from buying some, though. Greek yogurt is a great way to stay healthy - especially for vegetarians. Taking a 6 oz portion as our serving size, Greek yogurt provides you with around 15-20 grams of protein. Essential for cell repair, organ function, and as a source of energy, protein is often thought of as coming from meats. This makes Greek yogurt an excellent choice for vegetarians who may otherwise be lacking in protein. Another important nutrient vegetarians often lack is vitamin B12. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage among other problems. Fortunately, Greek yogurt is also a great source of this nutrient, meaning vegetarians needn't turn to supplement pills to get their daily dose.
Yet another benefit of Greek yogurt is that it is low in sodium, while being high in potassium. Potassium acts as a counter to the negative effects of consuming too much sodium by helping to regulate blood pressure. Probiotics found in Greek yogurt help reduce the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the gut and intestines, leading to overall better digestive health.
Greek yogurt is also an excellent choice for those looking to shed a few pounds (provided you get the reduced fat or fat-free version). First of all, it is a very good source of the mineral iodine, which is vital in thyroid function. The thyroid gland is an important part of metabolism. Furthermore, it contains a high amount of calcium (20% of the daily recommended value per serving). Calcium, a mineral, is responsible not just for strengthening bones, but also for reducing cortisol output. An increase in cortisol has been linked with fat storage and weight gain.
Whether you are looking to maintain or lose your weight or are a vegetarian looking for ways to gain important nutrients often found more abundantly in meats, Greek yogurt is a great, healthy choice.
Possible long-term side effects
- constipation
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diabetes (in flavored varieties)
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- boosts metabolism
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great vegetarian source of protein and vitamin b12
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promotes weight loss
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promotes healthy digestion
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reduces risk of hypertension
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reduces risk of heart disease
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Siggi's Nonfat Yogurt
- Icelandic-style strained
- Protein-rich snack
- Peach flavored
- Thick texture
- Nonfat
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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