by Kristal Blanford

Created on: June 12, 2009

Plain or fruit yogurt is a dairy product that is created by the bacteria fermentation of milk. The recommended amount that you should is one to two servings of yogurt per day. Through milk sugar fermentation, lactic acid is produced and acts on milk proteins to give plain yogurt texture and tang. Fruit or plain yogurt is reputed to have a variety of health benefits including reducing high blood pressure, promoting healthy intestines, prevent vaginal infections, prevent osteoporosis and assists in dieting.

Consuming a high amount of plain or fruit yogurt can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Both milk and yogurt can have these effects on an individual. Calcium, vitamin D, and other various ingredients in fruit or plain yogurt have shown to be very beneficial in patients that have high blood pressure.

There are many conditions in the intestines that can be treated and prevented by consuming plain yogurt daily. These conditions are constipation, diarrhea, colon cancer, bowel diseases and pylori infection. The healthy nutrients in plain yogurt enhance the body's defense system which protects the body from such conditions. Plain or fruit yogurt that contains lactobacillus can help treat pylori infection.

Women who have developed yeast infections due to diabetes or other reasons, have found that eating at least six ounces of plain yogurt daily has reduced their vaginal infection problems. Eating plain or fruit yogurt with active cultures drop the pH level in a woman's vagina, which lowers the chances of getting a yeast infection.

Proper nutrition is important in the prevention of osteoporosis. The greatest nutrients of importance are vitamin D and calcium. These two nutrients have shown major beneficial results on bone mass in both the old and the young, although older people benefit more from vitamin D. Plain yogurt, as well as flavored yogurt, contains high amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Some plain yogurts also have extra vitamin D added. Check the labels for yogurt that is high in calcium and vitamin D.

Plain or fruit yogurt is very good for dieting. You can mix in healthy fruits to gain the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Also, yogurt can cause you to feel full and make it less likely for you to eat. What causes you to feel full are the proteins that are contained in yogurt. Protein is also good for your muscles. Most yogurts do not contain a high amount of calories, and low-fat yogurt contains even less, making this treat a great snack for those who are dieting.

Learn more about this author, Kristal Blanford.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.