As the Baby Boom generation ages, osteoporosis—a disorder where bones become porous and lose density and strength—is becoming a serious threat. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that by 2020, over 60 million Americans will suffer from osteoporosis and low bone mass.1
"And that's a problem, because osteoporosis is such a big risk factor for hip fractures,” says registered dietician, Janet R. Mertz, MS, RD, CDE, CPT., a contributor to Voskos Greek Yogurt's "What's Fresh" blog. Her suggestion? Add Greek yogurt to your diet. "It offers a good source of calcium and is even safe for those who are lactose intolerant. In fact, a serving of Voskos Plain Non-Fat Greek yogurt includes 20% of the recommended daily value of calcium,” explains Mertz.
People who have problems digesting dairy products are more likely to suffer from calcium deficiencies, which raises their risk of osteoporosis. 2 According to Mertz, “Look for authentic Greek yogurt. The straining process is found in authentic Greek yogurt whereby excess whey and casein are removed. This method yields less sugar, carbohydrates, and lactose so those who are lactose intolerant can truly enjoy Greek yogurt.”
Mertz, a nutritionist who specializes in geriatrics nutrition and healthy aging, adds, "After menopause, women tend to lose bone mass at an accelerated rate, which can lead to fractures and the inability to be as active as we would prefer." One study showed that forty percent of hip fracture patients are unable to walk independently, and six in ten still need help walking a year later. 3 "But hip fractures aren't just painful and debilitating—they can increase mortality rates by up to 20% in the first year after a hip fracture," says Mertz. According to some studies, there may be a greater risk of dying for up to five years afterwards.4
The higher protein content of Voskos Greek yogurt also makes it a good choice for fighting osteoporosis. One study of the elderly showed that a higher dietary protein intake was associated with a lower rate of age-related bone loss.5 "Voskos Greek Yogurt is my choice because it has up to 24 grams of protein per serving, which means twice as much protein as traditional yogurt,” shares Mertz
"Greek yogurt has a thick consistency, plus you can make it as sweet as you like," says Mertz. "My favorite is Voskos Plain Non-Fat Greek yogurt. Add some fruit, your choice of ‘sweetener’, and maybe top it off with some granola and you have a great dessert or morning meal." More Greek yogurt recipes are available at Voskos.com.
Voskos Greek Yogurt has been recognized in food contests presented by Self, Fitness, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, Natural Solutions, and Cooking Light magazine. It is also a triple gold winner of the 2010 Los Angeles International Dairy Competition.
About Voskos Greek Yogurt
Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, Voskos Greek Yogurt is all-natural, hormone-free, and gluten-free and Kosher certified. Through Voskos’ proprietary ProStrain™ method, Voskos yields two times more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency. Voskos is the only brand to offer an organic Greek yogurt line in addition to its all-natural plain and blended flavors and never has “fruit on the bottom.” Available nationwide, Voskos Greek Yogurt retails for $1.59 for 5.3 oz varieties at Kroger, Safeway, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and more. For store locations, healthy Greek yogurt recipes and to download a coupon, visit voskos.com today.
About Janet Mertz, Janet R. Mertz, MS, RD, CDE, CPT
Janet Mertz is a diabetes educator, wife of a Type-1 diabetic and mother who enjoys helping educate people on nutrition and healthy lifestyle.
References
1. NOF (2002) America's bone health: the state of osteoporosis and low bone mass in our nation.
2. Obermayer-Pietsch BM, Bonelli CM, Walter DE, et al. (2004) Genetic predisposition for adult lactose intolerance and relation to diet, bone density, and bone fractures. J Bone Miner Res 19:42.
3. Leibson CL, Tosteson AN, Gabriel SE, et al. (2002) Mortality, disability, and nursing home use for persons with and without hip fracture: a population-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:1644.
4. Magaziner J, Lydick E, Hawkes W, et al. (1997) Excess mortality attributable to hip fracture in white women aged 70 years and older. Am J Public Health 87:1630.
5. Hannan MT, Tucker KL, Dawson-Hughes B, et al. (2000) Effect of dietary protein on bone loss in elderly men and women: the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. J Bone Miner Res 15:2504.
Source: Voskos Greek Yogurt
