Answers For Those Who Are Confused About Yogurt

(NC)—Yogurt is great for snacks or as part of a meal. But sometimes the scientific information behind yogurt can be hard to understand. Nutritional low downYogurt is a good source of calcium. A healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, and regular physical activity, help to achieve strong bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Some yogurts are made with live cultures, which help increase the absorption of calcium into the body. Yogurt tends to be lower in lactose and may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. Greek yogurt – the latest trendThe hot yogurt trend in North America is Greek yogurt – a rich, creamy variety that is high in protein, great tasting and fat free. PC Greek yogurt, for example, has twice the protein of regular PC yogurt – approximately 18 g per ¾ cup serving, making it an ideal breakfast food or high-energy mid-day snack. It also packs a power-punch in a smoothie or as the base of homemade tzatziki. The science behind yogurtMany yogurts are loaded with healthy extras.

Among the most popular are:

• Probiotics is a good bacteria that works hard to enhance our digestive systems. Howaru is a commercial strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, one of the recommended active strains of probiotics. More information can be found at howaru.com.
• Prebiotics is a type of fibre that helps promote the growth of friendly bacteria or probiotics. Inulin is a prebiotic that helps enhance the growth of probiotics.
• DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports the normal, physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves primarily in children under two year of age.
Looking for the perfect yogurt to fit your lifestyle? Just use this easy guide below to help find the style that works best for you.
• Light and Diet: low in calories, no added sugar, ideal for a balanced diet
• Plain: healthier substitute in recipes
• Traditional: sweetened with sugar, rich and creamy taste
• Active Health: daily ways to satisfy your health needs, probiotic cultures, omega-3 essential fatty acids and plant sterols
• Kids: source of calcium and vitamin D, low in fat
• Organic: certified organic, part of a healthy diet

Crunchy mango parfait

Looking for a fresh way to add yogurt to your diet? The combination of creamy yogurt, rich Manuka honey and crunchy granola is a treat the entire family will love.

Ingredients• 1 cup (250 mL) PC frozen mango chunks
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC Manuka honey
• 1 tub (350 g) PC Greek yogurt- plain
• 1 cup (250 mL) PC Blue Menu vanilla almond omega cereal
1. Let mango stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to make chopping easier. Roughly chop the mango. Meanwhile, add honey to tub of yogurt; stir to combine.
2. Into four 1 cup (250 mL) glasses, layer half of yogurt, all of mango, half of cereal, remaining yogurt and remaining cereal.
Note: Blueberries can be substituted for the mango
Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 230 calories, fat 4 g (0.5 g of it saturated), sodium 140 mg, carbohydrate 37 g, fibre 4 g, protein 12 g
More information and recipes ideas can be found online at www.pc.ca.
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