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An anti-diabetes health claim is added to certain types of yogurt, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Greek yogurt is appreciated all over the planet, for the gifts it gives to the body. Studies have shown that it contains more than twice the amount of protein than the estragisto (one cup has 17 grams, compared to the 6 of the other version). High-protein diets have been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight management, improved bone density and body composition, and better blood sugar regulation.
Strained yogurt is also rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. 200 grams provide more than 40% of the daily needs for B12 (necessary for neurological function) and selenium (necessary for thyroid health). In addition, it is a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Yogurt supports bone health and muscle growth. It can also help with bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly, but also support new bone growth and reduce bone breakdown in younger people.
Meanwhile, because it supports satiety (thanks to the protein that slows down digestion), regular consumption of yogurt can help us maintain a healthy weight and lose excess body fat .
Certain types of Greek yogurt are a good source of probiotics, i.e. live microorganisms that support gut health.
There are also studies showing that unsweetened strained yogurt can support healthy blood sugar regulation . And so, we come to our point: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the label “the product may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes” on yogurt packages, under certain conditions . The relevant request was filed by a multinational giant based in France and a subsidiary on the other side of the Atlantic.
According to the FDA, packaging must state that the risk is reduced by consuming at least 2 cups per week . They must also clarify that there is limited scientific evidence for the claim.
That’s because studies link yogurt intake to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes “regardless of fat or sugar content,” a finding that was based on observational studies that measure associations “rather than a cause-and-effect relationship between a substance and of a disease”. Added sugars have been linked to a number of health problems, including diabetes. The FDA acknowledged the concern and suggested that it “carefully consider” whether to use the claim “on products that could contribute significant amounts of added sugars to the diet.”
Before yogurt, the Food and Drug Administration had approved a health claim for some cranberry products (“reduced risk of recurrent UTI in healthy women”), magnesium (“may reduce risk of high blood pressure”) and nuts macadamia nuts (“may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease”).
More skeptics have commented that these claims are more “weak health advice” than “authorized health claims”.
