Download pdf - Bihar Anjuman

"A cup of yoghurt a day...is a way of keeping the doctor away."Research proves that yoghurt is notfold. "A particular feature of vaginaljust a food Accompaniment, ainfection is the reduction or absence ofdessert, or merely a diet food. There islactobacilli in the vaginal flora. Yoghurtgrowing Evidence to show that it isis full of lactobacilli, hence the logic inpacked with microscopic warriors -its use," explains Dr Mridula.Beneficial bacteria that are essentialfor good health. It is also a nutritionalThen of course, there is osteoporosis,goldmine.especially in women. Studieshave shown that most peopleAccording to the National Institute ofconsume far less calcium than theNutrition, Hyderabad, a cup ofrecommended daily levels, whichyoghurt (250 mg) contains 370 mg ofcould cause osteoporosis. While thereimmune response, which would in turncalcium (compare that with 300 mg inare many calcium supplements thatincrease resistance to immune-related250 ml of milk). This is 30-40 per cent are not readily or effectively absorbed,diseases."of most adults' daily needs.yoghurt provides an excellent sourceIn addition, yoghurt plays anBesides, at eight grams of protein perof easily absorbed calcium.important role in restoringcup, yoghurt meets 20-25 That's not all. Daily consumption ofthe digestive tract to its normalper cent of an adult's average dailyyoghurt also helpscondition after a course ofneeds. It is also a good sourceimprove complexion, making it moreantibiotics.of Vitamin B (including folacin) andradiant."The drugs often wipe out everyphosphorus.bacterium in their path,And, a cup of yoghurt contains 250 mgA word of caution, though. The fruitedgood and bad, altering the naturalof potassium - almost as much as avarieties of yoghurt are highbalance of the digestive tract.banana does.in calories, even though it has a low-fatWhen harmful bacteria dominate theprofile. "The jams and fruitintestine, essential nutrients are not"If you want to have your ownconcoctions added for flavour canproduced and the levels of damagingstockpile of B vitamins without havingdump in as much as seven teaspoonssubstances like carcinogens and toxinsto buy them, eat yoghurt. By a strangeof sugar per cup and more than doublerise. By killing the harmful `bugs',chemistry, it sets up anthe calories. So go easy on these,Yoghurt helps maintain a healthyefficient little factory in the intestinalparticularly when calories are abalance of intestinal bacteria," Says Drtract and manufactures Bconcern," says Dr Shikha. If you want aMridula Chichra, a Delhi-basedvitamins for you," says Pratimafruit flavour but do not want to losegynaecologist.Kaushik, chief dietician at theout on calcium or gain calories, mixIn the Indian context particularly,Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Healthchopped fruit with yoghurt. You'll getdoctors and practitioners of alternativeand Neurosciences, Delhi.all the calcium, and also the extramedicine often recommend yoghurt toBesides, yoghurt also provides lacticvitamins and fibre from the fruit.patients recovering from diarrhea, andacid, which aids protein,help ease other intestinalcalcium, and iron assimilation. ForHowever, to be effective, yoghurttract ailments.those on a low-calorie diet,must contain sufficient amountElixir for womenyoghurt is a boon in any case. "Easilyof`live' lactic cultures, meaning it mustWomen stand to benefit immenselyavailable anywhere, it is abe `fresh'.from yoghurt.snack that tastes great at any time ofFor instance, women are often pronethe day; it is low in caloriesMake it at home, is Dr Shikha's advice.to vaginal candidosis, which causesand can be sufficiently filling whenOr, when buying it, look foritching and possibly a thick, whitecombined with a high-fibrepacking as close to the date ofdischarge. The risk of this infectionvegetable or fruit," says Dr Shikhamanufacture as possible to getincreases during pregnancy, diabetesSharma of Clinic de Rejuvenation,maximum beneficial bacteria. Sheor when a woman is on birth controlDelhi. The benefits of yoghurt goadds, "Always keep it cold, as thepills.beyond its nutritional value and low-helpful bacteria in yoghurt cannot"Eating yoghurt that contains naturalcalorie appeal.withstand high temperatures.bacteria and yeasts helps re-establishthe Equilibrium," says Pratima. AThe American Journal of Clinicalstudy conducted by E. Hilton et alNutrition, in an article published in(Annals of Internal Medicine) in 19922000, says, "Increased yoghurtfound that yoghurt consumptionconsumption may enhance thedecreased vaginal infections three-Bakhabar10