If yoghurt is high on your list of yummy foods, then we have some great news for you today.

 

According to a new study, incorporating yoghurt as a major part of your diet could boost your bone health!

 

Yep, that’s right; researchers from Trinity College Dublin, St James’ Hospital and Ulster University have linked a higher intake of yoghurt with higher hip bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis.

 

As part of the study, published in Osteporosis International, 4,100 subjects were examined. All subjects – each one aged under 60 – had their bone mineral density measured.

 

The results were incredibly interesting. Overall, among both men and women, an increase in yoghurt consumption resulted in improved physical function.

 

With the female subjects, the researchers focused on the bone mineral density of the hip and femoral neck bones. It emerged that the total bone density was 3.1 per cent to 3.9 per cent higher among those who regularly ate yoghurt.

 

Furthermore, every unit increase in yoghurt intake in those women was associated with a 31 per cent lower risk of osteopenia; a condition whereby the protein and mineral content of the bone tissue is reduced. The risk of developing osteoporosis – a more serious condition which causes the bones to become much more fragile – was also significantly reduced.

 

 

When it came to the male participants of the study, bone breakdown was also found to be significantly slower among those with the highest intake of yoghurt in their diet; this resulted in a 52 percent lower risk of osteoporosis.

 

Containing calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12; yoghurt is bursting with nutrients, helping it to pack a powerful punch for both children and adults alike. It's important to note that consumption of vitamin D was found to contribute to the decrease in risk, which was taken into account during the study. 

 

Commenting on the findings, the study’s lead author, Dr Eamon Laird, explained that further research will be needed to build on these fascinating findings. 

 

“Yoghurt is a rich source of different bone-promoting nutrients and thus, our findings – in some ways – are not surprising.

 

“The data suggests that improving yoghurt intakes could be a strategy for maintaining bone health, but it needs verification through future research as it is observational.”

 

This is certainly very interesting research, and while further studies are set to be carried out on the specific power of yoghurts; for now, this study reminds us of how important it is to look after our bone health.

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