Monday, August 29, 2011

Make Your Own Greek Yogurt

Yogurt:  One of the oldest foods in man's history. 


Accepted as originating in Turkey,  it  is made by fermenting milk. 
It contains good  bacteria called  probiotics  which aids in digestion, 
helps prevent  constipation,  diarrhea,  prevent inflammatory bowel
disease, may help with weight loss, and may discourage vaginal infections. 

Yogurt  also affects the amount of time food takes to travel through the bowels which is beneficial in preventing colon cancer.   It also enhances the body's immune system. 

It is a good source of protein and is packed with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, riboflavin, the B vitamins, and the D vitamins.  A cup of yogurt  contains around 10-14 grams of protein.  For the best health benefits,  eat  yogurt  daily or a least a few times a week.    

A type of yogurt I really like is Greek yogurt.  It' s thick, rich, creamy and delicious. 
Greek yogurt  has more protein than regular yogurt.  It cost more than regular yogurt but you can make your own easily and quickly and you can make it  fat free or regular. 


Start with  a carton of  unflavored,  all natural ,  yogurt containing a live culture.  It should state that on the carton.    Use fat free yogurt if you want  to minimize calories and fat grams. 



Place two  paper towels in a  colander or large strainer  and place over  a bowl.   Empty the entire carton of yogurt into the colander. 

Cover the yogurt with more  paper towels  and  put  it in the refrigerator.   The whey will  drip off the yogurt in a few hours,  leaving you a thick delicious Greek  yogurt.   Even people who are lactose intolerant can usually tolerate yogurt because the bacteria has already broken down the milk. 

It's best to check the texture of the yogurt every hour or so in order to get the thickness you want.  If you allow it to drip too long it will get  pretty stiff. 


You can use your  fat free Greek  yogurt in place of sour cream in cooking, desserts,  and on top of your favorite foods.  The whey that  drips off the yogurt can be used in your smoothies and protein  drinks, it is full of nutrients.   


Mix a half cup of homemade Greek yogurt with a glass of water and drink it if you prefer.  I think the taste is great with just a dash of salt. 

Yogurt is one of the super health foods.  Enjoy it often.  

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