Is Yogurt Good for Women?

Yogurt is good for women for many reasons, but perhaps the most important benefit is that it is full of calcium. Women need calcium, particularly as they age, to protect and maintain the health and strength of their bones. After women go through menopause, their chances of acquiring osteoporosis or porous bone disease increase tangentially. A woman does not want to have this condition. It can result in bone fractures and even a Dowager’s Hump, where vertebrae fractures repeatedly occur and the individual ends up stooped over. Calcium Source, Helpful if You Have IBS Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium as well as a good source of protein. In addition, if an individual is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) yogurt can ease the symptoms. Good Bacteria Yogurt contains bifidobacteria and lactobacilli bacteria. This bacteria helps microorganisms convert the lactose that is found in milk, from which yogurt is made, into lactic acid. These probiotics, or good or beneficial bacteria, are found in your large intestine. Probiotics may help reduce gas and diminish the bloating and pain that is part and parcel of IBS. If you are constipated, eating yogurt may help you eliminate easier because it helps food pass through the intestine quicker. On the other hand, if your IBS results in diarrhea, the probiotics may lessen the frequency of loose stools. Yogurt may even help clear up yeast infections, according to Probiotics-lovethatbug.com. Low in Carbs, High in B Vitamins and MineralsYogurt is low in carbohydrates and rich in B vitamins and essential minerals, as well as a great source of protein, according to Canadianliving.com. Lactase If an individual is lactose tolerant, yogurt may be the answer because yogurt has lactase in it. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so that it can be properly digested. Folic Acid Women in their reproductive years need folic acid, which can be acquired by eating Yoplait Source Cardio Yogurt. Folic acid is a vitamin B. If a woman is deficient in this and becomes pregnant it can result in an infant born with neural tube problems, such as spina bifida. In addition, a deficiency in folic acid is associated with an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Vitamin D Yogurt, depending on the brand, can be an excellent source of vitamin D, which is a particularly important vitamin for people over the age of 50. Older people require twice the amount of vitamin D than do younger people. Pregnancy Eating yogurt while you are pregnant may reduce water retention and bloating, as well as muscle cramping, according to Bebereviews.com. Calcium, which yogurt contains, works to reduce these symptoms. Pregnant women need calcium and protein and yogurt can provide this. eHow