In the west and in India, flavored yogurt has gained popularity as a very convenient and a healthy snack option, especially for children. However, beneath its tempting taste and creamy texture, flavored yogurt may harbor hidden health risks that outweigh its nutritional benefits. While, yogurt or curd is incredibly healthy food, store-bought flavored yogurt is not! In this article, we get into the truth about flavored yogurt or flavored curd, exploring why it can be more harmful than healthy and why one should consider avoiding such products, for both kids and adults.
1. Artificial Flavors and Additives:
To achieve enticing flavors, many flavored yogurts contain artificial additives, flavorings, and colorings. These additives are not only unnecessary for nutritional purposes but may also have adverse effects on health, potentially triggering allergies or sensitivities in some individuals. Additionally, certain artificial additives have been linked to behavioral issues in children.(Source)
A recent study (2017) conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton has revealed a correlation between increased levels of hyperactivity in young children and the consumption of mixtures containing certain artificial food colors along with the preservative sodium benzoate.
2. High Sugar Content:
One of the primary concerns with flavored yogurt is its high sugar content. Manufacturers often add significant amounts of sugar to enhance the taste and appeal of flavored varieties. This excess sugar intake can contribute to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities. Consuming flavored yogurt regularly can inadvertently expose individuals, especially children, to unhealthy levels of added sugars.
According to the WHO World Health Organization, sugars should make up less than 10% of all calories consumed daily. For kids between the ages of two to 18, that means they should consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day.
Also Read: If Sugar is So Bad For Us, Why is the Sugar in Fruit OK?
3. Hidden Calories and Fat: The Truth About Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurts, especially those marketed as low-fat or fat-free, may compensate for reduced fat content by increasing sugar levels. This trade-off can lead to hidden calories and a skewed nutrient profile, compromising the perceived health benefits of yogurt. Now imagine the plight if you are on a weight loss journey and consuming this food in the pretext of healthy snack.
So, to avoid this enticing sugar trap, it is best to have plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey. While many would suggest you to add your own fresh fruits. However, adding fresh fruits in your yogurt or curd is a toxic combination. Why? Well, because this combination can lead to bacterial overgrowth in your gut, exacerbating symptoms of conditions like SIBO, H. pylori, Candida, IBS, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can contribute to sluggish digestion and metabolism due to the mucus produced by this toxic byproduct, and may even trigger colds, coughs, and sinus issues.(Hint: Viruddha Ahara in Ayurveda)
Also Check Out: 7 Reasons You are Eating Curd the Wrong Way
4. Lack of Probiotic Benefits:
Yogurt is often touted for its probiotic properties, which can support digestive health by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut. However, many flavored yogurts do not contain sufficient live and active cultures due to the manufacturing process and added ingredients. Consequently, the potential probiotic benefits of yogurt may be diminished or nullified in flavored varieties.
In fact, in general too, not all yogurt contains probiotics, although the majority do. It’s essential that the beneficial bacteria in yogurt are alive at sufficient levels to offer potential health benefits. However, certain yogurt products undergo heat treatment after the culturing process, which can damage or eliminate the microbes. This is the reason why it best to eat home-made yogurts.
5. Misleading Health Claims:
The packaging of flavored yogurt often includes health claims emphasizing its calcium content, protein content, or probiotic benefits. However, consumers should be wary of these marketing tactics and examine the overall nutritional value, considering the detrimental effects of added sugars and artificial additives.
Also Watch: 8 Foods That Fulfill Your Calcium Dose
Why Avoid Flavored Yogurt:
Given the potential drawbacks associated with flavored yogurt, individuals concerned about their health and well-being should consider alternatives:
Opt for Plain Yogurt: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add natural flavorings like a drizzle of honey to enhance taste without compromising nutritional value. Do not add fresh fruits as mixing curd with fresh fruit is a toxic combination as explained above in point 3.
Read Labels: Prioritize yogurt varieties with minimal ingredients and no added sugars, artificial flavors, or colorings. Check labels for the presence of live and active cultures (probiotics).
Homemade Alternatives: Prepare homemade yogurt using quality ingredients to ensure control over sugar content and flavorings.
5 Shocking Dangers of Flavored Yogurt
Lastly, while flavored yogurt may seem like a convenient and tasty snack option, its hidden health risks, including high sugar content, artificial additives, and diminished probiotic benefits, outweigh its nutritional advantages. By making informed choices and opting for healthier alternatives, individuals can prioritize their health and well-being while enjoying the benefits of yogurt in its purest form. Choose wisely and savor the true goodness of yogurt without compromising your health.
This is the sad and not so healthy truth about flavored yogurt or flavored curd.
