Probiotic Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Differences & Which Is Better?
Probiotics are some good bacteria invented in the 20th century, but, today, the food industry seems to have advanced one step ahead. You can find many types of yogurt, savory or sweeter, to target customers from Greek, probiotic, Skyr yogurt etc. But, what are the benefits of probiotic yogurt and what is the difference between probiotic and regular yogurt?
Regular yogurt is obtained by warm milk left to ferment until it reaches a specific acidic level of 4.5. On the other hand, probiotic yogurt contains good bacteria. Those microorganisms are ingested in the yogurt to improve the health benefits. So the health effects of both yogurts are the most significant difference.
Many studies are dedicated to this product and its differences from regular yogurts. The aim has been to understand a better alley of your body. I have summarized some essential information to help you create a general idea.
Probiotic Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Differences
Nutrition
One of the reasons all types of yogurts are preferred is low calories. For 100 grams, probiotic yogurt has 53 calories. In this quantity, you will get 7.5 grams of carbs and 5.3 grams of protein. About vitamins and minerals, probiotic yogurt has calcium, potassium, sodium, and vitamin D. [1]
Regular yogurt has more calories, 61 calories for 100 grams. It contains 3.5 grams of protein and 4.7 grams of carbs and 3.3 grams of fat. But also has a lot of vitamins and minerals like probiotic yogurt. [2]
Effects
Researchers confirm that probiotic yogurt has a higher effect in increasing good cholesterol. So it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, probiotics have positive effects against diarrhea and restore healthy vaginal microbiota. [3]
Regular yogurt has a good protein level, and it can help you reach the desired daily protein level. Another benefit of regular yogurt is that it contains low lactose content. Therefore, a lactose-intolerant person may find it proper to consume it. [4]
Taste
The concentration of probiotics affects the organoleptic attributes of the yogurt. So there, for sure, will be a little different taste in probiotic yogurt from regular yogurt.
This yogurt usually has a mildly sour taste. While the regular one is a tangier, pure milky smell, you can also feel a little of a culture smell.
Uses
You should eat probiotic yogurt one serving per day to get the desired benefits. As per the largest quantity consumed, eating some portions a day is not dangerous. Still, you may have some side effects like gasses and an upset stomach, so you better be careful.
For regular yogurt, the quantity suggested is more. According to USDA, you can consume up to 3 servings per day of dairy. So for as long as you stay within this limit, you are safe, and you can get all the health benefits of yogurt.
Both those yogurts can be accompanied by whatever your heart wants. There are no rules that belong to one or the other type.
Texture
The texture is entirely related to how the probiotic yogurt is produced. For example, the temperature of heating and the time affect the texture. In other cases, compared to normal ones, probiotic yogurts have no significant differences in texture.
Both yogurts are creamy, smooth, and very soft most of the time. If they don’t have fruits present, their color may vary from total white to shades of light yellow.
What Does Probiotic Yogurt Mean?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that beneficially influence the human body’s health when ingested in sufficient amounts. Probiotics may positively affect several health conditions, including lactose intolerance, cancer, allergies, and hepatic disease.
One of the products those microorganisms, good bacteria, are ingested is yogurt. Two of the most common bacterias found in yogurt are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Probiotic Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Which Is Better?
Probiotic yogurt was invented as a need and desire to get the best health benefits from food. So since its invention is was created to be better, with a lot of added values in our body. Several studies have been done over the years on this matter. They prove all the mentioned values of probiotic yogurt in more than one way.
To conclude, this does not mean that regular yogurt is not good. On the contrary, above, I showed the nutritional values that this yogurt contains. Depending on the fat quantity, sometimes it may also have fewer calories. So it’s up to you to decide which one does your body good.
