Many individuals have turned to probiotic yogurt, owing to the health benefits it offers. However, with so many probiotic yogurt available in the market today,narrowing down on the healthiest ones becomes hard for the buyer. Here is a simple guide that will help you choose the best probiotic yogurts for your needs.
Read the label carefully
It is extremely important that you read the label, especially the panel that reads Nutrition Facts, before buying a probiotic yogurt. A look at this panel will let you know the nutritional value of the yogurt as well as the measure of the ingredients in it. It will then become easier for you to choose the right product to supplement your health needs.
Check for calcium content
There is no doubt that yogurt contains calcium. However, the amount of calcium present in it may vary between brands and yogurt types. In the case of probiotic yogurt, it is wise to choose a type that has at least 15% or more of calcium (daily value). Probiotic yogurt containing anywhere between 15% and 35% of calcium is considered healthy.
Check for sugar content
Many yogurt brands have added sugar in them, which will combine with the naturally occurring lactose to spike up your blood glucose levels. Don’t be fooled by the number of grams of sugar listed on the label, as this figure will include both the lactose and the added sugars. Your best bet, in this case, is to opt for sugar-free probiotic yogurt or one that derives its sweetness from natural fruits added to it. If you see sugar in the first two ingredients in the list, avoid the product.
Check for fruit content
Many probiotic yogurt brands come with fruits added to them. Ensure that the yogurt you choose has natural fruits added to it, as some products can contain food coloring and sugar. If you are wary of the presence or absence of fruit in your probiotic yogurt, opt for plain yogurt. You can then simply choose to add your choice of fresh fruit to it for an enriched flavor.
Check the fat content
Probiotic yogurt can be made from low fat or whole fat. There are fat-free versions of probiotic yogurt as well. To zero in on the best probiotic yogurts, you will need to choose ones that are either low in fat or fat-free. Be forewarned though that fat-free yogurt can contain added sugars as well. So check the label carefully before buying them.
Check for probiotic content
Yogurt usually contains some amount of healthy bacteria in it. Probiotic yogurt, however, will have added probiotic bacteria for additional health benefits. In this case, you will need to choose yogurt that contains probiotic bacteria, as some brands may contain bacteria that are not probiotic. Also, ensure you choose the yogurt that has been produced recently, as bacteria tends to die over a period.
We are a coffee-drinking nation and every form of the beverage – decaf, regular, expresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and ristretto is consumed everyday by millions of us. It’s the first thing we need in the morning and the last (for some) after dessert. Black, with cream, with sugar, no sugar, flavored, each of us has a preference with regard to strength. Nespresso’s taken heed of this and given us a gift in a pod with the Nespresso capsules. Available in the regular Arabica and Robusta capsules, they have some amazing seasonal flavors as well.
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed in a capsule that holds 5-7 gms of coffee – enough for one serving of coffee. They offer five ranges in Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40 ml), Lungo (110 ml), Decaffeinated (40 ml and 110 ml) or Flavored (40 ml).
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Ristretto range are:
Ristretto Origin – Made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has toasted flavors with cocoa notes and woody undertones.
Ristretto Origin India – A blend of the finest Arabicas with a smidgen of Robusta from Southern India, this full-bodied coffee has hints of spices.
Ristretto Intenso – A strong blend of South and Central American Robustas and Arabicas, the Ristretto Intenso is a full-bodied coffee with a creamy texture and peppery notes.
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Espresso range are:
Espresso Origin Brazil: A pure Arabica coffee, it has a mild sweet flavor.
Espresso Leggero: A blend of South American Arabicas and Robusta, it has smooth notes of cocoa and cereal.
Espresso Forte: Exclusively made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has an intensely roasted balance of espresso and fruity notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Lungo range are:
Lungo Leggero: Lightly roasted East African, South and Central American Arabicas, with mild notes of jasmine is what makes up this delicious brew.
Lungo Forte: A complex mix of South and Central American Arabicas, this coffee has heavy roasted notes with a slight hint of fruit.
Lungo Origin Guatemala: A mix of Arabica and washed Gourmet Robusta coffee, Lungo Origin Guatemala is smooth and well balanced with dry and malty cereal notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules in the Decaffeinated range are:
Espresso Decaffeinato: Dark roasted South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta enhances the cocoa flavors and roasted cereal undertones of this decaffeinated espresso.
Lungo Decaffeinato: This is a slightly more complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas. It includes toasted cereal and sweet notes with subtle and floral hints of East African Arabicas.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Flavored range are:
Espresso Vanilla: This silky-flavored coffee is the result of a base of Espresso Forte, which is a complex and heavily-roasted blend of South and Central American Arabicas and a slightly caramelized aroma of vanilla. Espresso Caramel: On a base of Espresso Forte, this complex and intensely roasted blend made from South and Central American Arabicas has the sweetness of caramel.
Here are a few easy and healthy recipe ideas that are both quick to make and light to digest on hot summer days. With very few ingredients, the preparation of these recipes is a breeze. So go on, enjoy these easy, healthy recipes that are brimming with nutrition and taste heavenly too!
Greek Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
This is popular among easy and healthy recipes. Slice cucumber into thin flat strips using a vegetable peeler and arrange them in slices of two on a clean tray. Smear the hummus on top of each slice, then toss some feta cheese, black olives and cut tomatoes on each of the cucumber strips. Squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some finely chopped dill and cilantro. Finally, roll the strips, serve the Greek cucumber rolls and see them being gobbled up by the young and old alike!
Flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the label. In a thick bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic and shallots. After about a minute or so, add the other vegetables along with salt and toss them gently for a few minutes. The vegetables must cook and be crunchy at the same time. When they are done, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some freshly ground black pepper to it and mix well. Serve this flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables for lunch or dinner as a filling, yet light meal.
Sunshine juice
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Direction
Squeeze juice from the oranges and blend the strawberries in a juicer. Then in a pitcher, take the orange juice, strawberry juice, and chilled water together and mix well. Refresh yourself with this yummy sunshine juice with ice cubes on a hot day.