Parfait is a French word that means “perfect,” and when you combine healthful grains and fruit with yogurt to make a delectable breakfast or snack treat, you’re refining yogurt’s already impressive health benefits.
A yogurt parfait is typically made up of layers of yogurt, grains like granola or broken crackers, and fruit. It can be a healthy choice at fast-food outlets and coffeehouses when the cholesterol and calories are regulated. Nonetheless, what exactly is a parfait?
A parfait is a semi-frozen French dish made with boiled cream, eggs, and ice cream, then stacked with berries or fruit and occasionally granola. But what are the nutritional value and health benefits of parfait? Read on to find out.
Nutritional Value Of ParfaitÂ
A parfait typically consists of layers of yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, and granola. Here are some of the key vitamins and nutrients that can be found in a parfait:
Protein: Yogurt is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Depending on the type of yogurt used, a parfait can provide 10-20 grams of protein per serving.
Calcium: Yogurt is also a good source of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. A serving of yogurt can provide around 20-30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.
Fiber: Granola and fresh fruit can provide fiber. Depending on the amount of granola and fruit used, a serving of parfait can provide 3-5 grams of fiber.
Vitamins and minerals: Depending on the types of fruit used in the parfait, it can be a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
Health Benefits of Parfait
Parfait is healthier when they are devoid of added sugars, and are low fat or fat-free. Adding fruits, whole grains, honey and other healthy ingredients will also make your parfait more nutritious.
1. Supports digestive health
According to a study published by the Michigan State University, parfait are rich in probiotics, which are microorganisms that help to support the digestive system.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are live bacteria that are beneficial for digestive health. Probiotics can help improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
This can also help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Good source of protein
Protein is necessary for maintaining excellent health. It is essential for cell proliferation, muscle development, and tissue repair.
In addition, protein is vital as you get older as it helps maintain healthy skin and fight sickness. Parfait is an excellent food that can improve your protein intake without eating a lot of meat.Â
3. Rich in B12Â
Parfait is high in vitamin B12, which is required for energy and proper brain function. “Many people choose to take vitamin B12 supplements, but parfait is a potent, natural alternative.
Furthermore, because vegetarians often lack B12, which is found chiefly in meats, parfait is a fantastic meat-free method to supplement your diet.
4. Loaded with potassium
Parfaits are rich sources of potassium. In fact, 100 grams of yogurt parfait contains 282 mg of potassium.
Potassium is one of the most vital minerals that plays a major role in the body. It helps to regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals.
Consuming parfait, which is high-potassium diet can help reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against stroke and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.
5. Perfect post-workout drink
After a strenuous workout, parfait can be a nutritious and enjoyable reward. Not only will it keep you going until your next meal, but it also contains protein that can help repair exercise-related damage.
Amino acids are the building blocks for renewing muscle tissue and mending fiber damage. Parfait is high in amino acids, which are the basis for proteins.” For a nutrient-dense post-workout snack, add some banana or berries to your parfait.
6. Rich in iodine
Iodine is abundant in Greek parfait yogurt. Thyroid function is dependent on iodine; therefore, the thyroid is necessary for a healthy metabolism.
Unfortunately, several individuals are iodine deficient, creating significant problems, such as fast weight fluctuations. Raising iodine levels by adding parfait to your diet can help you lose weight by increasing thyroid function, which boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss.
To add to that, strawberry parfait are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
7. Rich in calcium
Another advantage of parfait is its high calcium content, which is beneficial to your general health.
Parfait is also a good source of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. Calcium can also help with muscle and nerve function, and may help reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
Calcium has also been connected to the body’s cortisol output adjustment. High cortisol levels can lead the body to accumulate fat, making it difficult to lose weight or achieve other health goals.
You can partially reduce fat development in the body by introducing extra calcium into your diet by consuming parfait.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
