Yoghurt is one of the most consumed and popular foods around the world. Made from fermented milk, yougurt has many benefits and uses. Most people eat it in its original form which has a sour taste. It is also available slightly sweetened or in fruit flavours. Yoghurt is consumed not only on its own but also as sweet or saltish lassi which is a popular, healthy and cooling drink, and as raita, an all-time essential side dish for lunch and dinner. Yoghurt for raita is seasoned with coriander, cumin, mint, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices, to which cucumber and onions may also be added. These days, frozen yoghurt has become all the rage.

If you want to be slim and smart but find it difficult to spend time in the gym or stick to a particular kind of diet plan, you can attain your desired objectives by eating yoghurt regularly. It is loaded with vitamins, protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous and zinc. There are many secret benefits of yoghurt that few people know of. This is one dairy product which should be an essential part of your diet. So what exactly does it do?

Strengthens bones

With the passage of time, our body experiences various deficiencies. Among them, weak bones are a threat for all middle-aged men and women. Preventing this serious ailment and enabling you to enjoy your age, yoghurt works pretty well with its combination of vitamin D and calcium, says Jeri Nieves (director of bone density testing in Helen Hayes Hospital, New York). So if you are experiencing stiffness or mild pain in joints, try making yoghurt a part of your daily diet and discover the change yourself.

Made from fermented milk, yoghurt has many uses and benefits

Stabilises blood pressure

Are you worried about fluctuating blood pressure that disturbs your healthy life? Well, as a proven remedy from doctors and researchers, yoghurt helps us stabilise blood pressure.

What happens is that excess usage of salt sometimes leaves our body prone to heart disease, kidney problems or hypertension. To decrease this excess salt in our body, we need potassium in an adequate amount. About eight ounces of yoghurt, contains approx 600mg of potassium, which works well to reduce the risk of diseases in our body.

Cleanses your skin

Tired of trying different creams and lotions for a smoother skin? To your surprise, yoghurt can even be a remedy to get cleaner and smoother skin instead of spending loads on expensive cosmetics.

You need four teaspoons of yoghurt; add two to three drops of almond or olive oil along with one tablespoon honey. Mix well and apply to your face. Leave for around 15 minutes. Wash your face and feel proud of your clean skin — wrinkle and oil free.

Fixes digestive issues

Another benefit of yoghurt is that it can help you maintain your digestive system very well. Yoghurt contains a special ingredient called ‘probiotic’ that you may have heard of before from a nutritionist. According to Robin Plotkin (a nutrition expert), the probiotics available in yoghurt helps us digest food better and stay healthy.

Helps in reducing hunger

According to a study at the University of Washington, yoghurt helps us lower the desire to eat too much food. Not only that, it also works best to make us feel active instead of lethargic.

Improves immune system

A study held in the University of Vienna proves that yoghurt is also beneficial in improving the way our immune system works. It helps women to strengthen their T-cells, which are a subtype of white blood cells and defend against infection or illness.

Softens hair

Yoghurt is excellent for hair treatment. It helps to eliminate dandruff, itchy scalp and dryness. As a result, it makes hair soft and shiny. For making a perfect yoghurt mask, you need four tablespoons of plain yoghurt, one teaspoon mustard or coconut oil, and half an egg. Mix everything and apply on small sections of your hair. Leave for about 30 minutes then shampoo your hair. Your locks will be soft and conditioned.

Hence, say yes to yoghurt and get the maximum benefits naturally.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, July 17th, 2016