Anti-aging Properties of Yogurt

For centuries, daily consumption of anti-aging yogurt has been linked to longevity, and for good reason. In parts of the world where yogurt is a dietary staple (such as the Balkans, Crete, parts of Bulgaria and the former Soviet Union) average life expectancy often exceeds 100 years. But why does common yogurt have such miraculous anti aging properties?

The answer can be found in a tiny but powerful bacterium called lactobacillus bulgaricus, found mostly plentifully in Greek-style yogurt (now available at most major supermarkets in the U.S. and Canada). Known to scientists and nutritionists as pro-biotic bacteria, this lactobacillus helps to ward off disease and remove aging poisons from the body by keeping the intestinal tract free of yeast and disease.

The pro-biotic lactobacillus organisms in yogurt quickly populate human intestines and devour any organisms they find that might harm the body.

Pro-biotic bacteria are especially important when it comes to intestinal yeast. At one time, doctors used to think intestinal yeast was at worst a nuisance that only caused problems when beneficial bacteria were killed off by a course of antibiotics or a severe infectious illness. But in recent years, science has discovered that amounts of intestinal yeast that were once considered ‘normal’ create destructive levels of toxins that leech into the bloodstream and cause disease.

What’s more, toxins created by intestinal yeast and other organisms attack healthy cells and begin to break them down. Cellular breakdown is the primary process that causes the human body to age. Doctors are discovering that the pro-biotic cultures in yogurt slow this aging process dramatically. Anti aging yogurt can also be used to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal illnesses that were once thought to be resistant to cure, such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and even infant colic.

In addition to the pro-biotic effects of anti aging yogurt, yogurt also contains plentiful amounts of the trace minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Calcium is necessary to keep bones strong and joints supple. Magnesium regulates mood and keeps sleep cycles healthy. Potassium is instrumental in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart health.

Finally, anti aging yogurt is also a good source of high quality protein. One cup of Greek style yogurt counts as one serving of dairy, and yogurt is often well tolerated, even by people who are sensitive to lactose.

To get the greatest benefit out of anti aging yogurt, eat at least a cup per day and choose Greek style yogurt with no added sugar or flavorings. If you find the taste too tart or unpleasant, add fresh fruit or a little honey and vanilla.

Adding fruit to plain anti aging yogurt is preferable to purchasing pre-sweetened yogurt with fruit already added. Pre-sweetened yogurts with fruit are likely to contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners and chemicals. These ingredients actually aggravate the intestines and stimulate the growth of yeast, the very organism you are trying to kill by eating yogurt. Fresh fruit added at home contains fructose, which does not have negative effects on intestinal flora and does not spike blood sugar they way corn syrup can.

Other good ways to use anti aging yogurt include choosing yogurt in place of mayonnaise, using it as a base for salad dressings and sauces, and mixing it with dry cereals instead of milk.

Related links:

Top Ten Anti-Aging Foods

Anti Aging Foods: Look and Feel Younger with the Foods You Eat