Elderly Care in Garner NC
Greek yogurt has become all the rage in recent years and with all of the commercials on television and brands getting into the Greek yogurt game, you may be wondering if it is actually as good as 
it is made out to be, and if you should be including it in your elderly care journey with your aging parents.
The first thing to know about Greek yogurt is why it is different than regular yogurt. If you scoop up a spoonful of the Greek version of your favorite variety of yogurt you will immediately notice that it is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and the flavor is richer and more intense. This is because the Greek style of yogurt is made by straining yogurt to remove the whey. This not only thickens up the yogurt and improves the flavor, but it also removes 38 percent of the sodium and 40 percent of the sugar, according to U.S. News.
Some ways that you and your parents’ elderly health care services provider can improve your parents’ health by including the goodness of Greek yogurt in their regular diet include:
• Bump up the protein. Protein is a vital nutrient for everyone, but can be seriously lacking in the average older adult’s diet. Greek yogurt has twice the protein as regular yogurt, 15 grams in a single serving. This offers cell-building power and lasting energy.
• Support digestion. While most people immediately think of dietary fiber when it comes to foods that can help with digestion, yogurt supports healthy digestion from another angle. Greek yogurt naturally contains probiotics, which are a healthy form of bacteria that lives in your gut. Eating yogurt with these bacteria helps to remove the potentially bad bacteria from the gut, helping the body digest more effectively and reducing the risk of health concerns including diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Healthy blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Pressure Institute developed a diet program specifically designed to help control blood pressure. This diet is referred to as the DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and includes two to three servings of low fat or nonfat dairy products each day. These products contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which help to positively impact blood pressure.
• Weight loss. If your seniors are trying to lose weight, or if they just want to keep off those excess pounds, grabbing the Greek yogurt can be a useful tool. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a 2010 study that showed people who ate dairy foods regularly were better able to lose weight and keep it off than those who did not eat dairy. Part of this may be due to the protein, which sustains a sense of fullness longer than other foods, and the low calorie count for the satisfaction level.
If you are ready to start making Greek yogurt a delicious and beneficial part of your elderly care journey with your loved ones, try some of these ideas:
• Layer vanilla or plan Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola for a tasty breakfast or dessert parfait
• Freeze containers of Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to ice cream
• Add Greek yogurt to your smoothie recipes for a creamier texture and more protein
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream in your dip, sauce, and pastry recipes
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Garner, NC or the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at HomeChoice Home Care Services. Call today (919) 847-5622
