(It has even helped me to effortlessly lose 30 pounds!)
You may have heard stories about how people in the mountains of central Asia subsist on yogurt made from goat or sheep milk…and live to be 120 years old.
Of course, much of that area was temporarily part of the Soviet Union until 1991, so we definitely need to consider the possibility of a propaganda factor!
But, Cold War lore aside, when you sort through all of the actual science, yogurt looks like one of the healthiest foods on the planet. (As long as it’s full-fat, plain Greek or Icelandic-style yogurt, with only one ingredient and no additives.)
We all know yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium. It’s also loaded with B vitamins (see page 5) and key minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
But beyond its beneficial nutrient content, yogurt is jam-packed with probiotics. And there’s more and more evidence of the key role of probiotics in the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome—and their importance for virtually every aspect of health.
Plus, new research shows yogurt may be one of the BEST foods for people trying to manage their blood pressure…
The breakfast food that helps lower your blood pressure reading
Researchers looked at the yogurt consumption of 915 adults in the northeastern U.S. Most of the study participants (564 people) had high blood pressure (defined as 140/90 mm Hg or more). The rest had normal blood pressure.
The study showed that consuming even small amounts of yogurt lowered blood pressure in the high blood pressure group. And in those who consumed yogurt regularly, the results were even stronger. The regular yogurt eaters had blood pressure readings 7 points lower than those who didn’t consume yogurt.
The researchers said there are several good reasons why dairy foods, especially yogurt, can lower blood pressure.
First of all, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium content in yogurt are all intricately involved in regulation of blood pressure. In fact, studies show that getting more magnesium and potassium is more important for healthy blood pressure than consuming less sodium.
Calcium is also critical for cells that line the blood vessels, and is closely related to Vitamin D—which has its own benefits for cardiovascular health. (Of course, it’s important to only ever get your calcium from foods like yogurt…and NOT from supplements).
The researchers also noted that the probiotics in yogurt include certain bacteria that promote the release of proteins that lower blood pressure.
Health benefits like these are why full-fat, plain, Greek-style yogurt is part of my daily diet. It mixes perfectly with berries for a great breakfast—and for any meal or snack during the day.
In fact, yogurt with berries or other fruit is the only thing I eat until later in the day. And I consider it to be quite an indulgence. Plus, it soothes my stomach, and has had a great effect on my digestion and metabolism. I’ve also lost about 30 pounds (and four or five notches on my belt) without even thinking about it!
So, if you’re not regularly eating yogurt, I suggest you start. Your blood vessels—and every other part of your body and brain—will thank you.
For additional ways to keep your heart healthy, check out my Heart Attack Prevention and Repair Protocol. To learn more about this online learning tool, click here or call 1-866-747-9421 and ask for order code EOV3Y300.
Source:
“Higher yogurt intake is associated with lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals: Cross-sectional findings from the Maine–Syracuse longitudinal study.” International Dairy Journal, 2021; 122: 105159.