Did you realize how very good yogurt is for you? It’s full of beneficial active cultures that help prevent bad bacteria from taking up residence in your body. Yogurt is also a great source of valuable nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin B2. Yes, you heard right: Yogurt contains bacteria. But don’t worry, it’s good bacteria. The live cultures in yogurt inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Yogurt is cream or milk that has has been fermented with live bacteria at a consistently warm temperature. The milk attains a pudding-like consistency, and the lactose is converted to lactic acid. That’s what gives yogurt its slightly acidic flavor.

Yogurt can even help you keep your breath fresh! Chances are, you didn’t know that! Yogurt can help diminish the levels of sulfite responsible for bad breath so instead of popping another breath mint, treat yourself to a cup of tasty yogurt!

 Even better, yogurt can be eaten in a variety of different ways. You can even make a delicious smoothie with some yogurt and fruits. Pull out your blender to make your own fruit smoothies using just a bit of fruit, yogurt, and ice. If you don’t have time for a smoothie, toss some nuts or fruit on top of your favorite flavor and eat up! Have you looked at the enormous variety of yogurt flavors available today at the grocery stores? Wow! There is bound to be something you love.

Here’s a recipe for a basic strawberry smoothie:
1 cup plain yogurt  (Dannon Light & Fit vanilla is tasty!)
1 cup strawberries
A handful of ice (crushed ice works best)
Blend thoroughly, pour in a glass, and enjoy!
Experiment with other variations, too. Mix in a chopped banana to mellow the tart sweetness of the strawberries, or spike it up with some blueberries. It’s hard to ruin a fruit smoothie! Mmmm! Did we get your mouth watering!? We’d love to hear about your favorite smoothie recipes!