Why is greek yogurt called greek yogurt

The latter often contains artificial thickeners such as gelatin and gum to replicate that thick, creamy texture. Greek-style yogurt also contains more preservatives to increase shelf life. In fact, Greeks have long known about the incredible cosmetic benefits of using yogurt in their daily skincare routines.

The lactic acid found in yogurt can help to shrink pores and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines , while Vitamin B and probiotics keeps the skin hydrated and promote cell-renewal.

Protein, whether in our diet or in the skin products we use, also helps to bind, nourish and repair damaged skin tissue. As Greek yogurt boasts twice as much protein as regular yogurt, Greeks have been using it to keep their skin younger and more radiant-looking for centuries.

From sun cream to moisturising face serum, Athens-based natural brand Korres have introduced a line of products using Greek yogurt as their main component. Greek yogurt is the base ingredient of tzatziki, commonly served as part of a traditional meze and usually eaten with bread, fried eggplant, or zucchini. The traditional mix includes yogurt usually from sheep or goat milk with finely-chopped cucumbers, garlic, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Variations include adding a squeeze of lemon juice, some chopped dill, mint or parsley. Tzatziki often appears in a souvlaki pita — grilled souvlaki meat, usually pork, wrapped in a pita bread with chopped tomatoes, onions, and fried potatoes.

If for some reason it is not possible to find a pot of Greek yogurt at the local store or supermarket, simply pour regular yogurt into cheesecloth and strain it for several hours over a container. The result will be much thicker and creamier, resembling Greek-style yogurt, and the leftover whey can be used to cook pasta, potatoes or rice to add more flavour!

High protein intake leads to prolonged feelings of fullness, which may decrease your calorie intake. In turn, this may promote weight loss 20 , For example, one small study in 15 healthy women determined that a Greek yogurt snack containing 24 grams of protein reduced hunger and delayed the timing of the subsequent meal, compared with a low protein snack Nonetheless, many commercial brands pack significant amounts of added sugar , which may hinder your weight loss goals Regular and Greek yogurt are particularly versatile.

For instance, due to its thickness, Greek yogurt is a common ingredient in dips and sauces like tzatziki, which is a staple in Greek cuisine. Additionally, you can use it to replace mayonnaise, sour cream , and buttermilk in most recipes, though it may curdle at high temperatures. Its texture also makes it great for baking, especially if you want a moist, dense texture.

In contrast, regular yogurt is commonly used in smoothies Greek yogurt is still a good option too , dressings, and other viscous dishes.

For example, you can make a scrumptious marinade for chicken by mixing it with lemon juice and spices. When cooking, Greek yogurt is best for dips, sauces, and baked goods, while regular yogurt is preferable for smoothies, dressings, and marinades.

Regular and Greek yogurt are both nutrient-dense foods that make an excellent snack and healthy addition to your diet. Nevertheless, sweetened yogurts of either variety are packed with added sugar.

Chronic high sugar intake may lead to unwanted weight gain, as well as cavities, type 2 diabetes , and heart disease 23 , If you prefer, you can add a drizzle of honey or a bit of fruit to sweeten it on your own.

Regular, low fat yogurt may be best for anyone looking to keep their calorie and protein intake in check. Both regular and Greek yogurt are highly nutritious, though you should be mindful of added sugars. Regular and Greek yogurt are made from the same ingredients but differ in nutrients.

While regular yogurt tends to have fewer calories and more calcium , Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar — and a much thicker consistency. Both types pack probiotics and support digestion, weight loss , and heart health. Yogurt is incredibly healthy, offering benefits for heart health, weight management and more. Here are 7 reasons to add yogurt to your diet today.

Increased protein make them a great choice for lunches or other meals compared to just breakfasts. Frese encourages shoppers to check labels of Greek yogurts carefully. And some Greek yogurts end up with more calcium and vitamin D," she said. She said Greek yogurts have helped to extend the application of yogurt parfaits and smoothies into additional consumer uses, such as cooking and dips.

Here are links to two recipes from the Midwest Dairy Association that use Greek yogurt:. Cashew Chicken Dip. They just are thicker, tangier and typically higher in protein. Greek yogurt doesn't get its name because it's made in Greece. Shauna James Ahern. Kelly Alexander. Serena Bass. Rick Bayless. John Besh. Ethan Book. Joanne Camas. Melissa Clark. Annie Copps.

James Oliver Cury. John T. Josh Friedland. John Frizell. Doug Frost. David Guas. Jennifer Iserloh. Traci Des Jardins. Raphael Kadushin. Sarah Kagan. Matthew Kirkley. David Klopfenstein. Ted Loos.