The word for this tasty item is not English, which is why we spell it many different ways - Yogurt, Yoghurt, etc. We are making guesstimates on how to spell a "sound" from another language. This food was developed in the middle east in the days of the Roman Empire.

The word we use to describe the product in modern times is "yogurt" - which comes from the Turkish word for the item. That is not to say that Yogurt itself sprung into being in Turkey. This food item has been around for 4,500 years - long before the modern country of Turkey was formed in 1923. It was created by the very first cultures of mankind in the middle east.

In essence, yogurt is spoiled milk. Bacteria infect the milk, turning the lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid and alcohol, just like yeast works on grapes to make wine. The alcohol levels are quite low - and the resulting mixture is able to last longer without spoiling, which is of course critically important in hot regions of the world.

With many if not most adults being lactose intolerant, this is great, because the bacteria "handle" the lactose for you. Also, the bacteria settle in your intestines and help you in many other ways.

Unfortunately, many companies now pasteurize their yoghurt, which defeats the entire medicinal purpose of eating it :) They kill off those bacteria that you are supposed to be eating. So you want to aim for a version that is *not* pasteurized.

Also, many yogurts are now made for a modern audience meaning they are filled with extra sugar to meet our "sweet tooths". Yogurt can be worse than candy in this situation. Once you start reading labels, it is almost scary how much sugar is added to many of these once-healthy foods!

Be sure to read the label on your yogurt container and make sure that you aim for:

* Low sugar
* Live bacteria (non-pasteurized)

Now, on to the flavors. If you get a healthy berry added to your blend - say blueberries or raspberries - then you get the added benefit of antioxidants and vitamins in your yogurt treat. You can also always buy a plain yogurt and and then add in your own fresh berries yourself, so you can mix and match based on your own taste buds!

Always keep your yogurt refrigerated! It is after all a dairy product.

So to summarize, I highly recommend getting yourself some yogurt. Give yourself time to get used to its flavor and texture. If the slightly sharp flavor bothers you, go for a strawberry or raspberry flavor - the natural tartness of the berry will cover up for the yogurt's natural flavor.


Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books