Living In The Future

Swallowing a spoonful of live organisms?
Stopping the yeast beast?
Check out yogurt!!!

Haven't you noticed that yogurt section in most groceries stores has practically taken the dairy aisle? You have to search around in order to find other traditional dairy products. But it only makes sense that a food with as many health benefits as yogurt is given a prime real estate in grocery stores.

There are so many consumers of yogurt out there from children to just about any age group. We ingurgitate these live organisms every day when we open yogurt containers. Also, let's not forget that yogurt comes from milk, so yogurt consumers will equally get a dose of protein, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin B-2, and vitamin B-12.

Yogurt is packed with bacteria- the live and active cultures you read on the label.

Research has indicated that these friendly bacteria (probiotics) are known to improve our healthy digestive system and may help fight constipation, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, etc...

I'm lactose intolerant. Every time I take milk especially powder milk, I just can't get over the pain. My solo refuge is yogurt during breakfast, or throughout the day. I also like to have it before going to the gym, not only does it strengthen my muscles but it boosts my energy intake for strenuous physical activity.

There is some evidence that yogurt may help build the wall against bacterial infections. While research has shown its benefits in fighting inflammatory bowel( symptoms range from abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever), yogurt may boost the intestinal microflora which is known to protect against infections and diseases.

Yogurt appears to relieve stomach ulcers. Ulcers originate from bacteria. New pieces of evidence mention that eating plenty of live-culture yogurts, can keep ulcer-causing bacteria on the check.

Yeast infection(fungus living in the vagina and multiplying suddenly) occurrence is common among women with symptoms ranging from itching, burning, and other uncomfortable effects...
I've learned from a study that women were asked to eat 8 ounces( 1 small can of yogurt)a day for six months. After a period of observation, These women noticed improvements and yeast infections have dropped significantly.

Yogurt intake may also help in the prevention of osteoporosis( bone degeneration) with its micronutrients calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients provide good and strong bone structures.

I personally find yogurt to cut down hunger. It gives a sensation of being full and not wanting to have the next meal quickly.

In My diet
I give preference to a plain low-fat yogurt which has less sugar and fewer calories intake. Remember to always read your label( I discussed the importance of reading food labels in one of my posts). For a bowl of plain low-fat yogurt, I add a teaspoon of sugar along with fruits of my choice. Having yogurt during breakfast time is fantastic to get your day going- also in between meals as snacks.

In the kitchen

As previously said, plain low-fat yogurt is preferable. However, you have the choices between plain low-fat, nonfat, or full yogurt. Add a teaspoon of sugar along with chopped fruits of your choice. I usually go with mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, pears, apple, kiwi, blueberries, etc....
Smoothies delicious!!!!
1 banana, 1 mango, 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of strawberry, ice crush if you want. You may want to drop a 1/2 cup of milk depending on how light or heavy you want it. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar If you would like. Blend everything together and you will obtain a fantastic cocktail to get you on your feet all day.

Homemade yogurt

Ingredients

1 gallon of whole milk
32 oz of commercial yogurt containing active culture for the starter( plain low-fat, nonfat, or whole yogurt)
1/2 gallon of pasteurized milk can also be used in lieu of commercial yogurt
8 oz of sour cream( optional)

Instructions
Pour your milk into a sauce ou cooking pan and warm it to right below boiling( 200 °F). Stir up your milk gently to make sure the bottom doesn't scorch and the milk doesn't overheat.
Remove your milk from the stove and let it cool down until it's just warm to the touch. You can also place your container in an ice water bath to cool your milk down quicker.
Pour into your milk the yogurt mixed together with sour cream( if you choose to add it). Whisk it into your warm milk to mix the culture altogether. You may add sugar, and flavors ( vanilla, rum, coconut, etc....).

Transfer your yogurt into the storage container and wrap them in towels or blanket to keep them warm for about 8 hours. You can also place your container inside a cooler with warm water and close the cooler for 8 hours without moving or touching.
Once the yogurt is ready to remove the top or the lead of the container, if you see water you can either drain it off or whisk back into your yogurt. The next step is to refrigerate your yogurt to keep at a cold temperature.
Homemade yogurt is delicious and can be kept up to 2 weeks.

Related image

Below are shown pictures of pasteurized milk in case you decide to go along with it instead of commercial yogurt.
These pictures are taken from google.