A common breakfast food that many of us add to our cereal each morning is associated with a lower BMI and could even boost your gut health.
In fact, the full-fat version of Greek yoghurt is linked to not only lower body mass index (BMI) but also lower weight and a reduced waist circumference and is also packed with protein.
Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert highlighted the popular food’s prebiotic content, which she says aids gut health, with the protein assisting with “muscle maintenance and satiety”.
Rhiannon told the Telegraph: “Greek yoghurt is an excellent source of protein and prebiotics, which support gut health. The high protein content helps with muscle maintenance and satiety, while probiotics aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.”
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Greek yoghurt is available in a range of forms, including reduced fat, fat-free, flavoured and unflavoured. It’s known for being loaded with nutrients and offers protein, carbohydrates and fat, providing you buy the correct brand, writes Healthline.
However, it also noted that full-fat Greek yoghurt will, of course, contain more fat and calories than reduced fat alternatives, with flavoured versions likely to contain more carbs and sugar.
Yet, a number of studies have indicated that eating high-fat dairy foods could aid with weight management, despite people typically avoiding them as they contain more fat and calories.
One 2016 study indicated that a raised intake of full-fat dairy products was linked to a smaller risk of gaining weight over 11 years. It must be noted, however, that there was no significant link found between low-fat intake and weight gain.
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A 2020 review of 29 studies found no link between full-fat dairy and weight or fat gain in children, while a 2017 study suggested that dairy fat was not linked to a raised risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Despite this, Harvard Health stressed that instead of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil and fish, dairy often contains saturated fat, which is thought to contribute to heart disease.
In addition, the UK Government advises people to select low-fat yoghurts due to them having less saturated fats, which assists with your cholesterol levels, writes the British Heart Foundation.
Meanwhile, the health benefits of low-fat Greek yoghurt have been noted before. In 2022, Dr Roxana Ehsani, a dietitian, nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said “plain, non-fat or low-fat greek yogurt” is the “number one food” to cut visceral fat, reports the Express.
Dr Ehsani added: “Eating protein-rich foods can help reduce hunger as it promotes feelings of satiety. It also makes you less likely to overeat when you have protein present at meal and snack times.”
To learn more about losing weight, visit the NHS website here.
