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yogurt
Mr. Skin asked:


We frequently hear about the great benefits of yogurt but only a few of us have considered how these benefits take place and what other less mentioned benefits are to be had. Yogurt constitutes a superior dessert and for many it is the ideal snack that can be part of any meal. Known primarily as a dairy product with a lot of protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, it is believed -and many nutritionists and dietitians agree-, that the benefits of ingesting yogurt go far beyond the addition of these nutrients into our bodies. Aside from making a delicious treat it has proven that it can strengthen bones, reconstitute tissue and neutralize the negative effects associated to the ingestion of antibiotics, specifically looseness of the bowels. But less widely known is the fact that yogurt can help protect our cutis. So, where’s the deal when it comes to Yogurt? The quick answer is that it is all about whole milk. The tug-of-war consists of a battle between the factors that lead to an improved skin -vitamin A- and the fact that this is found mostly in yogurt made out of whole milk which is the one type of yogurt we have been told to avoid at every visit to the grocery store. So my take is that an equilibrium must be reached between consuming the fatter assortment that holds naturally occurring vitamin A and the low-fat variant that may help prevent your weight going ballistic. But seriously, what about our weight? That is the point: a balance must be struck. If any, the number one lesson from this intro is to realize that the broad benefits of yogurt may be found in the type made out of whole milk which is the same yogurt you have been trying to avoid all along because of weight issues. Please note I am not taking into account low fat versions with added vitamins. This might work. It is just that my personal choice is always to go with the naturally occurring elements.

And here’s the beef… errr… the milk. In essence, our skin requires good amounts of vitamin A to operate at optimum levels and keep up with skin cell growth. In fact, our skin cells are heavily dependent on vitamin A. And the key for us is that dairy poducts are a good source of vitamin A. Yes, fruits and vegetables can also be a good source such as carrots, parsley, and oranges. But some people have shown to have problems in the absorption of the vitamin when it comes in a different form, other than fat soluble like in dairy.

WebMD states that people who have diabetes or thyroid conditions are able to increase their ratio of absorption when eating yogurt compared to other types of food. The main issue is that such health problems make it difficult for the carrier to convert the beta carotene found in carrots and parsley. However, the type of vitamin A present in dairy products is readily available for everyone. But always bear in mind that in this article we care more for skin care factors than issues pertaining obesity.

And what about the vitamin B complex? The key among this group seems to be Riboflavin, otherwise known as vitamin B2. This micronutrient appears to play a key role in the health of our cells. It is its deficiency what can cause problems in our skin. So although it does not contribute directly to our nutrition, the lack of it can result in a number of problems. For example, people who have Riboflavin deficiency tend to show cracked and red lips, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth and also dry and scaling skin. Many of the benefits that come from yogurt are indirect. Take for example its live bacteria -L. Acidophilus-. It promotes a good digestive system which almost certainly translates into a better regulation of the rest of our systems. Getting rid of toxic elements from our bodies minimizes the likelihood that these elements would show up in our skin as blemishes and fat pimples. A diet rich in fats, indigestible starches, and artificial preservatives can create internal damage over the long haul and the power of yogurt resides in that proper digestion helps eliminate the unwanted stuff. It contributes to cleansing. Anecdotal evidence has also shown that zinc found in yogurt may help clear the skin faster, together with the lactic acid contributing to keeping it moist.

So after all is said and done the important question remains… do we incorporate into our daily diet a ration of good old grandma style whole mil yogurt, disregarding how this may affect our weight? Or should we try to achieve a balance and consider the low fat version which may have less direct benefits to our skin but certainly help keep our body weight in check? I never said life was easy :)



DOMINGO

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