9 Ways Yogurt Can Help Your Body

Did you know that yogurt provides 9 essential nutrients your body needs? One 6-ounce (3/4 cup) serving of cheese provides these essential nutrients, while the % Daily Value (DV) shows how much each nutrient contributes to your daily diet.

As a general guide, 10% DV or more is considered a good source, while 20% DV or more is an excellent source. The % DV is based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

Calcium builds and maintains strong bones and teeth.

2. Protein from yogurt provides 21% of the Daily Value per serving.

Protein provides sustained energy, helps to build and maintain lean muscle and to maintain a healthy immune system. 

3. Phosphorus from yogurt provides 15% of the Daily Value per serving.

Phosphorus builds and maintains strong bones and teeth and supports tissue growth.

4. Vitamin B12 from yogurt provides 35% of the Daily Value per serving.

Vitamin B12 maintains healthy immune, blood and nervous system function and supports normal energy metabolism. It’s necessary for brain development during pregnancy and infancy; linked to cognitive function in childhood.

5. Riboflavin from yogurt provides 25% of the Daily Value per serving.

Riboflavin helps your body use carbohydrates, fats and protein for fuel.

6. Pantothenic acid from yogurt provides 15% of the Daily Value per serving.

Pantothenic acid enables your body to use carbohydrates, fats and protein for fuel.

7. Zinc from yogurt provides 10% of the Daily Value per serving.

Zinc supports a healthy immune system, promotes normal growth and development, and helps maintain healthy skin.

8. Selenium from yogurt provides 20% of the Daily Value per serving.

Selenium supports a healthy immune system, plays a role in metabolism and helps protect healthy cells from damage.

9. Iodine from yogurt provides 45% of the Daily Value per serving.

Iodine is necessary for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy; linked to cognitive function in childhood.

Whether paired with fruit or incorporated into a favorite recipe, yogurt can be a delicious way to add essential nutrients to your day. As part of a balanced eating pattern, its combination of protein, minerals and B vitamins can help support your body’s everyday needs.

Adapted from National Dairy Council

References:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2016. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28.
• Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata; Low-fat vanilla yogurt (#01119).
• The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice