Yoghurts and Your Diet
Ah yes, its back on the diet train of things. Yogurt (yoghurts) is a very healthy kind of dairy for everyone. Yoghurts are full of active cultures that are good for digestion and they are low in calories. As we all need a consistent serving of dairy yoghurts are an important part of that. Yoghurts are a very versatile product because they can be put in things, on things, enhance things and if its unflavored can be modified to be very tasty. One of my favorite uses for yoghurts is in its unflavored and frozen forms. I combine them together to create delightful protein shakes before I go to the gym. Frozen yoghurt is a great ice cream substitute because it is lower in fat and in calories. A few days ago I talked about my favorite yoghurt parfaits with oats, granola, and fruit and I wanted to bring back up yoghurts because I didn’t really get to talk about the actual food. Yoghurts are made from the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria are called yoghurt cultures and they ferment the lactose and release lactic acid which gives yoghurt its goupy texture and sharpness of taste. Yoghurts are one of the oldest foods known to man and has been eaten in every culture throughout the Eurasian continent. There are writings about it in ancient Rome and during the 16-19th centuries people in southern and eastern Europe used it as a cleaning agent for both themselves personally and for their animals. Its a popular dish throughout the Caucasus’ where it probably originated. A variety of seasonings plants and spices are used to season Yoghurts. In Bulgaria they use Cucumber and dill to make a soup called Tarator. In India yoghurts are used for a dip called Raita that is made of cumin, cilantro, mint, and cayenne. Yoghurts are really versatile so just have fun and keep an eye for plenty of uses for yoghurts especially as we all endeavour to lose weight.
Enjoy! And remember good food, good friends, and good conversation.
