Yes, Greek yogurt is a fermented dairy product, just like regular yogurt, but it's strained to remove whey, making it thicker, tangier, and higher in protein. The fermentation process, driven by beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) converting milk sugar (lactose) into lactic acid, gives it that characteristic tart flavor and creamy texture.
Greek yogurt's disadvantages include lower calcium/potassium than regular yogurt, potential histamine/inflammatory issues for some, high added sugar in flavored versions, and potential interactions with certain antibiotics, though plain, low-fat options minimize risks, making moderation and label-checking key.
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive tract. “Look for yogurts labeled with 'live and active cultures,'” says Wanik. “Those are the ones that contain probiotics.” And while probiotics are important, your gut needs fiber, too.
Both yogurt and Greek yogurt are sources of probiotics and nutrients. Greek yogurt comes out on top for protein content and has fewer carbs and sugar, while plain yogurt typically provides more potassium and calcium. How are they used differently in baking or cooking?
Yes, you can eat Greek yogurt every day as part of a healthy diet, as it's packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics that support gut health, bone strength, and fullness, but choose plain varieties low in added sugar and be mindful of fat content and portion sizes for a balanced intake, especially if you tolerate dairy well.
While specific brands vary, Kefir generally offers the most diverse and highest concentration of probiotics (up to 61 strains) compared to yogurt, with Greek yogurt and Skyr being excellent choices for higher protein and concentrated live cultures, but always look for labels saying "live and active cultures" and check for specific strains like Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus acidophilus for maximum benefit.
Yogurt with probiotics
And it's the probiotics that can help soften stool and make you poop more often (more below on how probiotic-rich foods like yogurt are good for constipation). If you're looking for an easy meal to help you poop, consider adding fiber-rich sources to your yogurt, like fruit, nuts, or seeds.
If you want a warm, savory breakfast that offers lasting fullness and nutrients like vitamin D and choline, eggs may be your best bet. If you're looking for a high-protein breakfast with probiotics, calcium and a gut-health boost, yogurt is an excellent option.
Scientists from Lund University in Sweden found that the fiber in blueberries, especially when combined with a dose of good bacteria (think yogurt) reduced levels of inflammation-inducing bacteria and increased levels disease- protective bacteria in the large intestines.
Eat Better Feel Better
Yes, Greek yogurt does contain lactose—after all, it's made from dairy. However, because of its straining processes, it has significantly less lactose than regular yogurt, milk and even ice cream.
Symptoms of a yogurt and milk allergy may include hives, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea after eating yogurt. However, in some cases, feeling unwell after eating yogurt may be caused by lactose intolerance or other conditions that can produce similar symptoms.
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
Inspect how it looks and smells.
Germs that cause food poisoning don't always cause off-flavors or smells, but if yogurt has a curdled texture or rancid smell, it's best to be safe and throw it out. It likely wouldn't have been enjoyable to eat anyway.
5. Yogurt and Fruit 🍓🍶 This one might surprise you, as yogurt and fruit are often marketed as a healthy snack. Combining the natural sugars in fruit with the bacteria in yogurt can lead to sinus congestion and digestive discomfort.
Top 10 Foods for Health
This ultra-simple dish offers a perfect blend of protein and fiber for lasting energy. Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a healthy amount of protein. Blueberries contribute natural sweetness, along with antioxidants for overall health support.
What empties your bowels in the morning is a combination of your body's natural gastrocolic reflex (stimulated by eating and drinking), high-fiber foods, sufficient fluid intake, and physical activity, with warm liquids (coffee, tea, lemon water) and specific foods like prunes, pears, and whole grains being particularly effective at triggering regularity. Establishing a consistent routine with these elements helps train your body for predictable morning bowel movements.
Signs you might need probiotics include frequent digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation), frequent infections (colds, sore throats), skin problems (acne, eczema), mood changes (anxiety, brain fog), and fatigue, especially after taking antibiotics or when your gut health seems off despite a healthy lifestyle. These symptoms often point to an imbalanced gut microbiome, which probiotics can help restore by introducing beneficial bacteria.
With better understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiome and colon health, preliminary evidence supports an anti-tumor effect of lactic acid-producing bacteria contained in yogurt and probiotics whereby these bacteria may optimize the environment of the colon(31,33–37).
Plain Greek yogurt
Why else is Greek yogurt considered one of the best superfoods? It contains probiotics, which help us maintain gut health. Probiotics have been shown to aid in digestion, boost immune function, and even prevent infection. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is highly versatile.
12 Best Forms of Probiotics For Leaky Gut Syndrome: Cultivate Your Gut Microbiome For Better Digestive Health
BEST: Aldi
Not only did it contain the most amount of protein - 10.4g (0.1g more than Fage), but it was excellent value at £1.89 for a 500g tub - the cheapest alongside Lidl. It tasted nice and contained just 57 calories per 100g. I would highly recommend Aldi's fat free Greek yoghurt.