In the past decade, Greek yogurt sales began to skyrocket, accounting for 52% of the total yogurt market in the United States, according to Statista, a website that specializes in market and consumer data.
Likewise in our Arab world, where yogurt is one of the most important and popular foods - especially in Ramadan - Greek yogurt has taken on its appearance and spread, crowding out the traditional yogurt, giving an impression of its different taste, low sugar and fat, and its position on the throne of the diet.
But is Greek yogurt healthier than others?
Experts say Greek yogurt as well as vegan, and also traditional made with whole, low-fat or skimmed milk;
All are healthy foods that are low in calories and full of calcium and good bacteria.
Although Dawn Jackson Blattner, a nutritionist and author of the book "The Flexible Diet," reveals that Greek yogurt has an important advantage, which is "removing whey, lactose and sugar, which gives it a thick creamy texture, half the sugar and twice the protein found in the same amount of regular yogurt." It was equal in calories. "
This is confirmed by nutrition expert Sharon B.
Banta, who recommends Greek yogurt for her patients as "a low-fat, high-protein, nutrient-rich option."
Let us define our options, then, by knowing the basic components of each type, as follows.
Protein
"Getting an adequate amount of protein daily is important for nerves, the immune system, and fluid balance," says Anne Louise Gittelman, a dietitian and author of "Radical Metabolism."
That is why Greek yogurt is ideal - especially for vegetarians or for suhoor - as it helps you feel full due to its richness in protein.
A typical 170-gram package contains between 15 and 20 grams of protein (the same amount as 85 grams of lean meat), versus just 9 grams of protein in the same package of regular yogurt, which makes you feel hungry faster.
Carbohydrates
People who follow a low-carb diet will find Greek yogurt to do the trick, as it contains half of the carbohydrates found in regular yogurt (5 to 8 grams in Greek, versus 13 to 17 in regular).
Nutritionist Sarah Krieger notes that "Greek yogurt is free of milk sugar and 99% of lactose, which makes it less health problems for those suffering from lactose intolerance."
The lack of milk sugar and 99% of lactose in Greek yogurt makes it less likely to cause health problems (Pixabay)
Nutrition expert Carrie Hartel also warns that "both types of yogurt - Greek and regular - can contain high amounts of carbohydrates if they are sweetened with sugar or any other sweetening agent." Whatever its type.
Fats
The fat content of Greek yogurt warrants caution;
It may reach 16 grams of saturated fat in the package weighing 195 grams full fat, which is equivalent to 80% of the total amount specified for those who follow a diet needs two thousand calories per day (more than 3 pieces of Snickers candy).
Note that saturated fats raise cholesterol levels, both beneficial and harmful, and increase the risk of heart disease.
So experts advise reading nutrition labels carefully, and in the case of Greek yogurt, low-fat and fat-free varieties are preferred.
Sodium
Greek yogurt has an average serving of 50 milligrams of sodium, which is about half the amount found in most types of regular yogurt (there are low-sodium varieties).
And because excess salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of other heart diseases;
The food guidelines of the US government recommended stopping at "2,300 milligrams of it, a maximum daily, or 1,500 milligrams for those over the age of 50, or suffering from diabetes or chronic kidney disease."
Calcium
Plain yogurt provides 30% of the daily recommended intake from the US Dietary Guidelines.
On the other hand, Greek yogurt loses some calcium due to the way it is made, so a 170-gram package provides about 20% of the daily recommended calcium.
To fill this deficiency, Sarah Krieger advises, "adding another amount of milk, or mixing almonds in Greek yogurt."
selection criteria
Sarah Krieger says, "Yogurt - especially Greek - is very versatile, as it is easy to eat alone as the perfect snack, or added to pancakes instead of milk, or mixed with nuts and fruits, or with honey and whole grains, or even with fresh herbs and chopped garlic."
Carrie Hartl also believes that "the thick texture of Greek yogurt makes it an excellent alternative to fatty ingredients such as cream cheese, mayonnaise and butter, when applied to sandwiches or salads."
The thick texture of Greek yogurt makes it an excellent alternative to fatty ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise, and butter (Pixabay).
But, even though most experts agree that Greek yogurt has a nutritional advantage over regular yogurt and other types;
One of the most popular health benefits promoted is the availability of "probiotic" bacteria that help in promoting gut health, which means - according to nutritionist Marina Saveliva - "better sleep, a well-functioning immune system, improved mood, and even clearer skin." In addition to important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium, which work together to enhance bone strength.
However, they also believe that all types of yogurt can help you lose weight by providing you with fewer calories. Several studies indicate that eating yogurt is useful for preventing weight gain and treating obesity, as it is linked to "reducing body mass index, weight reduction, fat reduction and waist circumference." , On the condition that "stick to low-fat, fat-free varieties."