Yogurt, that humble hero of fridges worldwide, is often crowned king of healthy eating. But before you raise your spoon in triumph, heed this: even nutritionists have their caveats. In fact, there’s one yogurt variety many experts agree you should never buy—unless you consider extra sugar and mysterious additives a food group.
Yogurt: Healthy Halo or Hidden Hazards?
Let’s not throw yogurt out of the dairy aisle just yet. In popular thinking, yogurt is the poster child for balanced diets. With few calories and a healthy dose of calcium, it’s lauded for strengthening our bones—a fact confirmed by Santé Magazine. Then there’s the bonus for your belly: those live lactic acid bacteria aren’t just giving yogurt its tang, they help your system tackle lactose and may even make things easier on your digestion.
And there’s more! Yogurt comes loaded with nutrients that may help fend off type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. It does all this while being fairly low-key, calorie-wise. So far, so good, right?
The 0% Trap: When « Healthy » Loses Its Shine
But here comes the plot twist. Raphaël Gruman, a nutritionist interviewed by Top Santé, sounds the alarm over a yogurt that wears a healthy disguise: the infamous 0% (zero fat) yogurt. If you’re thinking, “No fat, no guilt, right?”—not so fast. According to Gruman, these yogurts cut out fat but sneak in additives that aren’t great for your health.
To make up for that missing creaminess and flavor, some manufacturers add artificial sweeteners and other substances. The trade-off? You dodge fat, but you’re left with a cocktail of extras whose health perks are, let’s say, questionable. Gruman’s advice is clear: leave the 0% yogurts on the shelf. Not all shortcuts are worth it.
Simple, Classic, and DIY: The Yogurt Choices That Win
If the thought of plain yogurt bores you to tears, don’t despair. Gruman recommends that you embrace the “classic” or “whole” plain yogurt, and get creative with your own natural flavorings. You won’t just avoid sneaky additives; you’ll discover flavors your taste buds never knew they needed!
- Add a spoonful of honey for sweetness (your secret weapon).
- Stir in cinnamon or a dab of jam (just a little—don’t make it a dessert again!).
- For the healthiest hack, chop up some fresh fruit and fold it right into your bowl. This not only lifts the flavor but packs in extra nutrients without an overload of sugar.
Yes, combining yogurt with real, natural ingredients is the snack you—and your nutritionist—can feel good about. Convenience yogurts with fruit may be tempting, but Gruman warns these often contain too much sugar. The safer bet? Stick to plain or whole-milk yogurts, ideally every day. That way, you get the good stuff without sneaky calorie traps.
What About Plant-Based Yogurts?
Dairy not your thing? Gruman weighs in on plant-based options too. Yogurts made with coconut or almond milk are described as healthy and beneficial for your body. Soy yogurts also have their place, though he suggests using them in moderation: soy can influence estrogen (that’s a hormone with more plot lines than a telenovela), so it’s best not to rely on it exclusively.
- Almond milk yogurt: Thumbs up.
- Coconut milk yogurt: Also good for your health.
- Soy yogurt: Fine now and then, but limit consumption if you’re watching your hormone balance.
In the end, the best yogurt is the one that’s as close to its natural form as possible—classic, whole, and unburdened by additives. Personalize it to your taste, toss in some real fruit, and you’re set. Who knew the healthiest yogurt was the most straightforward of all? Happy snacking—and may your yogurt always be as honest as your nutritionist’s advice!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
