Just Eat This: Why Greek Yogurt is a Trend to Keep

Health trends rise and fall as fast as tabloid stars, leaving us to wonder if they are worth our investment. Is eating kale really better than the regular romaine lettuce? Does drinking coffee with a tab of butter really improve energy? Is alkaline water worth the extra couple dollars? There is so much information laced with personal opinions and marketing dollars, we're always on the lookout for the real facts behind the claim. This leads us to one of the top foods trending today: Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt, unlike regular yogurt, has been thoroughly strained (three times instead of two) to remove its acidic whey. Whey is the yellowish liquid left over when you make various cultured milk products. It is composed of small amounts of fat, minerals and lactose (milk sugar). This process results in a creamier and thicker yogurt that still retains the classic sour flavor profile. But other than its varying texture, Greek yogurt also contains a higher protein content and lower levels of sugar and carbohydrates. It is this nutrient composition that makes Greek yogurt a more attractive option than regular yogurt, especially if you are looking for a healthy, satiating breakfast and snack food...we know we always are! Here are some benefits of Greek yogurt, plus a few ways to start participating in this yogurt craze:  [olists num=1]

Keeping it Real: One thing to be mindful of is that all Greek yogurts are not created equal. Because of their growing popularity, many companies are trying to get in on the action and are cutting corners while doing it. There are no regulations either, allowing "Greek-style" yogurts to be passed off as the traditional stuff. These so-called "Greek" yogurts are regular yogurt with added thickening agents such as starch, obtained from corn or tapioca, or milk concentrates. Their texture does not come from the traditional straining process, making them of lesser quality. They also have added live cultures, rather than the live cultures being a by-product of the culturing process itself. The result? A "Greek" yogurt that fails to have the same health benefits as the authentically made versions.

Shop Smart: The best way to ensure you're getting real Greek yogurt is by checking the labels. Only purchase those that contain milk and live active cultures in the ingredients. Avoid all brands that contain thickening agents and read "made with added live cultures." Going organic is also a good idea. This ensures higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and that no hormones, GMOs or antibiotics were used in manufacturing. Or better yet, try making your own using this quick and easy recipe.

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