I have partnered with Dannon Oikos to help promote the One Yogurt Every Day Campaign. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I’ve been hearing a lot of people talking about giving up dairy these days…but should we really be ditching this major food group altogether? What about the benefits?? Dairy is a good source of Calcium and Vitamin D, B vitamins, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium, many of which are involved in building and maintaining healthy bones, and is a source of complete protein which means it contains all of the essential amino acids our bodies need but cannot make on their own. So why would we want to give that up?

Did you know that you would have to eat 4 oranges, 9 cups of spinach or 92 almonds to get the amount of calcium in one serving of yogurt alone?

Greek yogurt, which is my personal favorite source of dairy, often provides many of the top nutrients most commonly lacking in our diets like Calcium and Potassium. Studies have also shown that intake of dairy products are associated with heart health.

If you’re worried about the lactose content, you may not have to be concerned. Greek yogurt has been strained multiple times to remove a portion of the whey resulting in less lactose than regular yogurt. This classifies Greek yogurt as a lower lactose dairy. The live and active cultures in yogurt may also help with digesting lactose, studies have shown, and many people can enjoy Greek yogurt without discomfort.

Check out these (delicious!) benefits of Greek yogurt:

• Great source of complete, high-quality protein – Oikos Nonfat Greek yogurt has 15 grams per 5.3 ounce serving
•  Cultures
  • Live and active cultures are live microorganisms commonly found in some foods (yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, etc.) and supplements
  • These “good bacteria” can help with the balance and diversity of bacteria in your gut, which is associated with better health
  • The natural fermentation of yogurt can generate new nutrients, or can make nutrients more digestible/easy to absorb
•  Calcium
  • 150-300 mg (15-25% of daily needs for most)
  • Most diets are lacking in this nutrient and can set us up for fractures and osteoporosis later in life
• Great vehicle for healthy foods
  • Mix or top any Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt with fruits, vegetables, chia or flax seeds, nuts or nut butters, herbs and spices or check out my last post here for different, tasty topping options.
• Portable and convenient – with a spoon or drinkable
• High in protein which is the most satisfying and filling nutrient

Blogs, celebrities, social media and dieting books all claim that dairy-free is the way to be. While it’s tempting to keep up with the most recent food trends, it’s not always the best idea. Don’t ignore the positives. If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed, convenient, delicious food, reach for a Greek yogurt and enjoy the nutrition benefits.

What is your favorite source of dairy? Post in the comments below!