If you've been to your grocery store lately, you'll notice that yogurt has increased in varieties, types and flavors. You can buy plain yogurt, vanilla yogurt, key lime pie, blueberry, strawberry, lemon, Boston cream pie and so many other flavors. You can buy it in small tubs, large tubs, squeezable sticks, frozen and shakes.

Yogurt has some great health benefits. Calcium is important for good bone health. In order to absorb the calcium correctly, your body also needs vitamin “D”. Real yogurt has both of these. Research also shows that real yogurt has the ability to help lower blood pressure. The effects it has on your digestive system, outweigh any over the counter product you can buy. It helps with constipation, diarrhea, preventions of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and lactose intolerance.

If you are trying to lose weight, yogurt is the perfect snack, as it make you feel full longer, and helps control your appetite. When buying yogurt, always read the label. Remember that when you buy products that have whole milk, you will be getting more fat and calories. Make sure that the yogurt you buy also states that it has live enzymes. Fake yogurt will not give you any of the health benefits.

If you really want the healthy side, try buying plain yogurt, without all the added sugar and preservatives, and add your own frozen or fresh fruit, or you favorite flavoring.