• Reduced negative effects of antibiotic use
• Reduced inflammatory effects associated with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
• Reduce or inhibit H. pylori which is known to play a role in peptic ulcers, gastritis, etc.
• Reduced allergies, both respiratory and food related
• Bowel equalizer for both constipation and diarrhea

Make the right choice when choosing your variety of yogurt.  Plain is best, as it does not have added sugar, but the best choice is to make it yourself!  Making homemade yogurt is simple and is easier to digest than store bought if you have lactose intolerance and is less tangy when it is fresh.  If you are one of those people who think you could never enjoy plain yogurt, you have to try fresh! 

Fresh Homemade Yogurt

• 1 quart of organic milk, skim or whole works best
• ¼ cup starter from a previous batch of yogurt.  For your first batch you can use store bought yogurt for your starter, just make sure it says it has live cultures.

1. Heat milk to 180º F
2. Hold milk at 180º F for 30 minutes
3. Chill quickly, down to 115º
4. When milk is 115º F, add starter (ie. previous batch of yogurt)
5. Keep this constant temperature for 3-4 hours (or until desired consistency)  
6. Refrigerate
7. Serve cold

Yogurt makes a great addition to breakfast in smoothies, or on granola or with fresh fruit.  It also can be a savory addition to any other meal with added herbs, garlic, ginger or other spices.  Try it as a dip for raw veggies on a hot summer day instead of ranch!

Eating yogurt consistently can also help your immune system.  Here are a few important jobs of the healthful bacteria that are in yogurt and how they can help you!

• Bind to the intestinal tissue to protect it from harmful pathogens.
• Increase production of various important immune responders.
• Suppress harmful intestinal bacteria.
• Reduce pro-carcinogen to carcinogen conversion enzymes in colon.
• Help produce anti-mutagenic compounds.
• Activate both systemic and local immune response systems.

Eating yogurt everyday is a tasty and easy way to stay healthy!!!

About the Nutritionist

Amyjo Johnson has a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and is currently working on her Certification and Masters in Nutrition through the nationally accredited American Health Science University and the National Institute of Nutrition Education.  For two years, Amyjo has been providing nutrition consulting to the on-site food service team and employees at Google, Inc. She provides information on assuring nutritionally balanced menus, excellent ingredients, and food choice nutritional education for ideal productivity and health. Through her company, Food for Change, Amyjo provides individual and business counseling and consultation on a variety of nutritional situations and needs.  Contact her at:  This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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