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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : May 21, 2014 1:08 PM IST
Love yoghurt? Have it in plenty as higher consumption of low-fat fermented dairy products can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the University of Cambridge found that higher consumption of yoghurt, compared with no consumption, can reduce the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes by 28 percent.
'This research highlights that specific foods may have an important role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and are relevant for public health messages,' said Nita Forouhi from the medical research council (MRC) epidemiology unit at University of Cambridge. The research included more than 25,000 men and women living in Norfolk, Britain. It compared a detailed daily record of all the food and drink consumed over a week among 753 people who developed new-onset type 2 diabetes over 11 years of follow-up. Read how yoghurt can make you a stud!
This allowed the researchers to examine the risk of diabetes in relation to the consumption of total dairy products and also types of individual dairy products. Those with the highest consumption of low-fat fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, fromage frais and low-fat cottage cheese, were 24 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over the 11 years, compared with non-consumers, the study found.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
The same applies to other low-fat fermented dairy products such as low-fat unripened cheeses including fromage frais and low-fat cottage cheese. Fermented dairy products may have beneficial effects against diabetes through probiotic bacteria and a special form of vitamin K (part of the menaquinone family) associated with fermentation. 'In the age of fast food, it is very reassuring to have messages about foods like yoghurt and low-fat fermented dairy products that could be good for our health,' added Forouhi.
Health benefits of curd or yoghurt
1. Helps improve digestion
The nutrients present in curd are easily absorbed by your digestive system. Not only that, it also helps in absorbing nutrients from other food items that you have eaten. It can also be used along with spicy food, as curd cools down and neutralises the heat that these foods create. A Taiwanese study even found that curd is helpful in curing H. Pylori infections which is the most common type of stomach infection.
2. Healthy for your heart
In a day and age where more and more young people are falling prey to heart disease, consuming curd can go a long way in maintaining heart health. It minimizes the risk of high blood pressure and helps reduce cholesterol levels by preventing the thickening of carotid arteries. (Read: 10 secrets to great heart health)
3. Milk substitute for those who are lactose intolerant
Some people, who cannot consume milk because they are lactose intolerant, can safely consume curd. It converts the lactose present in milk to lactic acid, making it easier to digest. Also, you do not lose out on the nutritional boost that milk provides.
4. Helps boost immunity
Curd has 'good bacteria' present in it which strengthens your immune system by fighting against several microorganisms that are present in the body. It is also useful in preventing vaginal yeast infection in women. These properties of curd do not diminish even when it is heated along with curry preparations to add flavour. Eat it daily to prevent infections and stay healthy!
5. Good for your teeth and bones
All dairy products are good for your bones, and curd is no different. Like milk, curd too has a high amount of phosphorous and calcium. This makes it beneficial for your teeth and bones as it helps promote bone growth and makes your teeth stronger. Taking care of your bones is essential if you want to avoid painful diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis in the future. Read more...
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