Is Chobani Greek yogurt a healthy food choice?

Greek Yogurt is a Healthy Food Choice with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits

Greek yogurt is a healthy food choice that offers significant cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, especially when consumed at a daily amount of at least 200g. 1

Nutritional Benefits of Greek Yogurt

• Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that significantly contributes to the intake of several essential nutrients, including high-quality protein and calcium 2
• It contains beneficial probiotics (live bacterial cultures) that have antioxidative, anti-platelet aggregation, and anti-inflammatory properties 1, 3
• Greek yogurt is low in sodium and contributes minimal added sugars to the diet when unflavored varieties are chosen 4
• It serves as an excellent source of dairy protein, which promotes satiety, helps maintain healthy body weight, and aids muscle and bone growth 4

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

• Current evidence shows a significant protective association between yogurt consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) when consumed at a daily amount of at least 200g 1
• The fermentation process in yogurt creates beneficial compounds that may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis 1
• Despite containing saturated fats, dairy products including yogurt do not show a pro-atherogenic role in healthy populations when consumed as part of a balanced diet 1
• The probiotics in yogurt can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels 1

Metabolic Health Benefits

• Yogurt consumption has been associated with reduced weight gain and a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes 5
• The protein content in Greek yogurt promotes satiety and helps in maintaining a healthy body weight 6
• Yogurt's unique food matrix may have a potential role in appetite and glycemic control 6
• Potential mechanisms include increased body fat loss, decreased food intake, increased satiety, and improved glycemic response 6

Recommended Consumption

• Current dietary guidelines recommend including a serving of 200g yogurt in the daily diet 1
• Multiple national dietary guidelines recommend yogurt as a healthy snack option, including those from Canada, Switzerland, France, and Sweden 1
• Yogurt can help meet the recommended three daily servings of low- or non-fat dairy products suggested by dietary guidelines 4

Maximizing Health Benefits

• Choose unflavored Greek yogurt with live active cultures and minimal added sugar for maximum health benefits 3
• Combining yogurt with fruits can provide additional health benefits through synergistic prebiotic and probiotic effects 5
• Yogurt can be an excellent replacement for less healthy, energy-dense snacks in the diet 5
• Plain Greek yogurt has a lower environmental impact compared to many other protein sources, making it an eco-friendly food choice 2

Important Considerations

• The quality and type of yogurt matters - Greek yogurt typically contains more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt 3
• Individual responses to probiotics in yogurt may vary based on specific strains, dosage, and personal factors 3
• For those with lactose intolerance, Greek yogurt may be better tolerated than milk as the fermentation process reduces lactose content 7
• Non-dairy probiotic alternatives are available for individuals who cannot or choose not to consume dairy products 3