Curd – It is delicious, healthy and very tasty. In fact, it is an ingredient that is evergreen. You can have it as raita, use it to marinate meat, or eat it as is, this probiotic-rich ingredient will never let you down. But it is not just its taste but also the health benefits that make it an ideal choice for many. Curd is rich in calcium and probiotics which work wonders for our bone strength and gut health. But have you ever wondered why experts recommend Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt? Well, Greek yogurt has many health benefits but there is another solid reason why it should be included in your diet, especially if you are vegetarian. Was there a conspiracy? Let’s find out how Greek yogurt helps a vegetarian diet.
Also read: 5 Ways to Use Yogurt as Part of Your Beauty Routine
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Greek Yogurt Vs. Regular yogurt: which one is better for vegetarians?
When it comes to the two popular yogurt options – Greek yogurt and regular yogurt – the first is better for vegetarians for one main reason: protein.
Why is protein important?
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet because it is made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids. When consumed, your body uses these amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and create hormones and enzymes.
How do Greek yogurt and regular yogurt differ in terms of protein content?
According to nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar, traditional yogurt is usually made from milk solids fermented by lactic acid bacteria which is a great source of probiotics and micronutrients like calcium. But, regular yogurt is high in fat and low in protein, making it a disappointing option if you rely on regular yogurt for your daily protein intake.
Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has excess fat and water removed during its manufacturing process. It retains only the milk solids and is fermented in a controlled environment using a special strand of bacteria called Streptococcus. This reduces the fat content of curd and makes it rich in protein. In fact, just 100 grams of Greek yogurt gives you 7 to 12 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent source of probiotics, micronutrients and protein.
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5 ways to use Greek yogurt in everyday life:
Now that you know why Greek yogurt is a better choice for you, let’s learn how you can include this protein-rich ingredient in your diet.
1. As a sandwich or burger spread
Sandwiches and burgers are both classic dishes but they are unnecessarily loaded with calories. We also add cheese or butter on them. Instead, make a delicious and healthy Greek yogurt spread for your dish and enjoy guilt-free. Get the full recipe here.
2. To thicken smoothies
We all love delicious and creamy smoothies. Using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt in your smoothie will give you the same effect and without any of the guilt.
3. As salad dressing
Mayonnaise or various types of cheese are often used to make salad dressings. However, these add unnecessary calories to your diet. Instead, use a fresh batch of Greek yogurt to prepare a high-protein dip that’s also rich in calcium.
4. Muesli in the form of parfait
For those who can’t do without sugar, make a healthy muesli parfait. This recipe is made with zero refined sugar, Greek yogurt, and lots of fresh fruits and berries. Click here for full recipe.
5. Make Healthy Cheesecake
Don’t limit yourself to just parfaits, and make this healthy cheesecake. Simply replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt in your cake recipe. You will be surprised to see how delicious the results turn out.
Also read: Has the curd turned sour? Use it to make some delicious dishes with these delicious recipes
How often do you consume Greek yogurt per day? Let us know in the comments below.
