at times, there are at least afew universal truthsthat bring almost every expert into agreement.

First, the vast majority of us should beeating more fiber.

Second, thatfood should be joyful, not restrictive.

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And third, the major (and underrated) benefits of basic foods like yogurt.

The types of yogurt available are about as abundant as boutique fitness classes.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

New York City-based registered dietitian

Heres how they broadly compare.

Which yogurt is the healthiest?

Still, its a great source of protein at around eight grams per one-cup serving.

soba noodles

It usually has twice as much protein as regular yogurt, Castillo says, at20 grams per seven-ounce serving.

What are the most important yogurt benefits to know?

Both of these nutrients are key to actually feeling full for longer than roughly 15 minutes.

a woman pours maple syrup onto a stack of pancakes covered in strawberries

(A friendly reminder to always read the nutrition labels.)

The high-quality protein in yogurt also contributes to bone health as well as muscle strength.

Its good for heart health

Want to eat with heart health in mind?

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

New York City-based registered dietitian

Dig your spoon into some yogurt.

While it may be surprising, theres a correlation between nutrients that benefitgut healthalso being good for the heart.

This good bacteria, Castillo adds, helps break down lactose and improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome too.

maple syrup in glass bottle on wooden table

Besides supporting your digestive system, this will positively impact your brain, too.

Scientific studies have shown a strong connection betweengut health and brain health.

That means, eating yogurt regularly can help with both cognitive function and mood.

Protein isolate powder. Unflavored whey protein in measuring scoop and drinking glass in bright sunlight.

Is there a downside to eating too much yogurt?

In general, yogurt is a very healthy food.

Yogurt can also affect the effectiveness of certain specific medications.

It may interact with some immunosuppressants and antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, Feller says.

How to buy the best, healthiest yogurt possible

1.

Then you could add your toppings, like berries for flavor, sweetness, and fiber.

Feller says to aim for 11 grams of sugar or less per serving.

Prioritize probiotics

If youre going to eat yogurt, you might as well get your dose of probiotics in.

Thats why Modell recommends grabbing yogurts that say living cultures or contains active cultures to reap the most benefits.

These are the bacteria that can improve the symptoms of IBS and help your gut flora, Castillo says.

Full fat versus low fat?

Its up to you

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to full-fat versus low-fat yogurts.

Choose the one thats right for you, Castillo says.

And whichever you choose, enjoying it in moderation is key.

Here are some ideas to help you spice up the way you consume it.

Low, moderate, or high protein yogurt snacks on appetite control and subsequent eating in healthy women.Appetitevol.

60,1 (2013): 117-122. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2012.09.012

Panahi, Shirin, and Angelo Tremblay.

35,8 (2016): 717-731. doi:10.1080/07315724.2015.1102103

Buendia, Justin R et al.

Regular Yogurt Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Hypertensive Adults.American journal of hypertensionvol.

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