2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt contains approximately 170 calories, making it a fairly calorie-dense food. However, it is also a great source of key nutrients such as protein and vitamins. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of adding plain whole-milk yogurt to your diet and how it can contribute to good health in a variety of ways.

In addition to its caloric value, 2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt is high in protein - approximately 13 grams per serving. It also contains important vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. Furthermore, plain whole-milk yogurt contains gut-friendly bacteria that can help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Whether eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in a wide range of recipes, plain whole-milk yogurt is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. From breakfast smoothies to dips and sauces, the possibilities are endless.

High in Calories

2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt is a calorie-dense food, with approximately 170 calories per serving. This calorie content is comparable to that of other kinds of yogurt, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are trying to limit your calorie intake. However, the high calorie content of plain whole-milk yogurt is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if you are using it as part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Many of the calories in plain whole-milk yogurt come from protein and fat, which can be important nutrients for maintaining good health.

Source of Protein

2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt is a good source of protein, with approximately 13 grams per serving. Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body. In addition, protein can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal, which can be helpful if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight. Including plain whole-milk yogurt in your diet can be an easy way to boost your protein intake, particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Full-fat Dairy

Plain whole-milk yogurt is a full-fat dairy product, which means it contains a higher percentage of fat than other kinds of yogurt. While this may be a concern for some people, particularly those who are watching their fat intake, there is evidence to suggest that full-fat dairy products may have some health benefits. For example, studies have shown that people who consume full-fat dairy products may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who consume low-fat dairy products. Furthermore, full-fat dairy products like plain whole-milk yogurt can be more satiating than low-fat or fat-free products, which may help you feel fuller for longer after a meal.

Vitamins and Minerals

2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt is a good source of important vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and other tissues in the body. Calcium, in particular, is important for maintaining strong bones, and vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium properly. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Gut-friendly Bacteria

Plain whole-milk yogurt contains gut-friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system. These bacteria can promote good digestion and regularity, and may also provide some protection against harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, there is some evidence to suggest that probiotics - the live bacteria found in some fermented foods like plain whole-milk yogurt - may also have other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation in the body and improving immune function.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

Including plain whole-milk yogurt in your diet can be a helpful strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. As a good source of protein and fat, it can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal, which can reduce the urge to overeat or snack between meals. In addition, the gut-friendly bacteria found in plain whole-milk yogurt may also contribute to weight management, as they can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.

Versatile Ingredient

Plain whole-milk yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. It can be eaten on its own, mixed with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast, or used as a base for dips, sauces, and dressings. In addition, plain whole-milk yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for other kinds of high-fat or high-calorie ingredients like sour cream in recipes. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

May Improve Bone Health

Because 2/3 cup (170 g) Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, it may help improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium is an essential nutrient for building and maintaining strong bones, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium properly. Including plain whole-milk yogurt in your diet can be a simple and easy way to boost your intake of these important nutrients.

Potentially Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Some studies have suggested that consuming full-fat dairy products like plain whole-milk yogurt may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is thought that the saturated fat in full-fat dairy products may not be as harmful as previously thought. In addition, full-fat dairy products may be more satiating than low-fat or fat-free products, which can help regulate appetite and prevent overeating.

May Assist in Digestion

The gut-friendly bacteria found in plain whole-milk yogurt may also be helpful for digestion, as they can improve the balance of bacteria in the gut and promote healthy bowel movements. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that probiotics - the live bacteria found in some fermented foods like plain whole-milk yogurt - may also be helpful for a range of digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).