Does your gut really have instinct? I have no idea. Your gut does have its own ecosystem, though. Oh it’s true, and this is no simple system -think complex biome or rainforest. It’s uber important to your overall health, since it affects your immunity, ability to fight cancer, and even alcohol’s war on your liver. When the emergent layer, canopy, understory and forest floor are all getting along and functioning optimally, the rainforest is thriving. When trees are killed, the ecosystem loses its, well, system. The rainforest-gut connection is coming full circle, isn’t it? The trees are to the rainforest as your gut trees are to your gut? Gut trees, a solid name for good bacteria, don’t you think?
Entertain one more analogy for me. When a tree in the rainforest gets cut down, is the tree the only thing that dies? Of course not. The tree is host and home to a number of species. It’s a habitat. Remove the habitat, remove the amazing life that dwelled there. When a person takes an antibiotic, it’s going to wipe out the whole habitat, the tree as well as the life in it; the bad bacteria as well as the essential, good bacteria. So be good to your gut trees.
What does this have to do with yogurt? Everything. Well, almost. Eating yogurt is like planting new trees and giving new habitat, thus life, to your gut. Organic, real yogurt is full of calcium, protein and live cultures or probiotics.
Probiotics* are all the rage, for so many reasons.
1. You’ll produce the enzyme lactase, which helps with lactose intolerance. I scream for ice cream, so thank you lactase.
2. Your immune system will be nearly invincible. Your gut’s armored to prevent viruses, harsh effects of food poisoning, tummy trouble, pneumonia, bronchitis, and a plethora of other undesirables.
3. They treat and even prevent food allergies.
4. They help prevent asthma and eczema symptoms.
5. They help lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
6. They help reduce carcinogens in the intestines.
*Probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, specifically
Stonyfield Yogurt: My One and Only
This is my vice. My favorite. My one and only. I heart plain, lowfat Stonyfield yogurt. First, it’s organic. Organic yogurt is the real thing, no chemical modifications. Second, Stonyfield contains SIX live cultures, encouraging your gut’s ecosystem to thrive with diversity. Most other yogurts I’ve seen contain only two cultures. Third, Stonyfield is free of gelatin, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame and anything else artificial. This means Stonyfield is actually healthy. Have you read the ingredients label on your yogurt lately?
Or you can always make your own yogurt (using yogurt)
Though I’ve yet to make my own, I always hear that it’s relatively easy. There’s also a good chance that you already have everything you need to do so, on hand in your kitchen. I guess I just really LIKE my Stonyfield plain yogurt, that’s all. If you’re open to purchasing a yogurt maker, this guest post from 101 Cookbooks will have you on your way to homemade yogurt goodness. If you’re more into the idea of a trial run without committment, check out this method using the oven or cooking thermometer.
Can’t stomach organic, real yogurt? You’re in luck.
Buttermilk, Feta cheese and some cottage cheese contain the same probiotic properties as yogurt. If you’re interested in a phenomenal buttermilk pancake recipe, or a delicious grilled veggie/feta sandwich recipe, drop me an email (at my contact page) and I’d be more than happy to share either or both of these favorites of mine with you.
Before you throw in the towel on yogurt, have you tried it with
1. Fresh berries in the summer (or frozen in the winter)?
2. Granola (I like Bare Naked brand)?
3. A combo of the aforementioned, or in a berry smoothy?
4. Asparagus and parmesan cheese?
5. Foods you normally pair with sour cream (or even mayo)? Prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
6. A swirl of pure maple syrup?
7. Lastly, have you tried Stonyfield Chocolate Underground? It’s a guilty pleasure minus much of the guilty, and makes a scrumptious dessert.
Can you find the hidden yogurt?
A Baby Thing
Stonyfield sells Yo-Baby Yogurt for wee ones, as young as six months old. My youngin’ LOVES her Stonyfield. She doesn’t really get Yo-Baby though. She eats straight up plain, in the whole milk variety (the big red tub). Why? I’m not into feeding her the naturally milled organic sugar that’s in flavored Yo-Baby. Yo-Baby Plain contains pectin only (no sugar), just like the big red tub, and I’d buy Yo-Baby Plain. But it’s also more economical for us to buy the big tubs, versus a 6 pack of the minis. Have I mentioned that my youngin’ LOVES her plain Stonyfield? I’m not about to ruin a good thing by introducing her to the world of sugared yogurts. Not today anyway.
Go forth, eat your yogurt and hug your gut trees.
That infanta sure likes her yogurt.