Yearly Archives: 2012

Blueberries and VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt: Partners in Weight Loss

Blueberries and Greek yogurt have both been linked to weight loss in clinical studies.

For some time, researchers have known about the link between yogurt and losing weight. A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that dieters eating a low-calorie, high-calcium diet that included yogurt lost 81% more belly fat than dieters on a low-calcium diet. And their overall weight loss was 22% higher than the control group.

The other good news from that study? The dieters who ate yogurt burned more fat, and lost less lean muscle mass.
In 2011, a graduate student from Texas Women’s University found that the antioxidants in blueberries inhibited the development of fat cells in mouse tissues. The student, Shiwani Moghe, MS, discovered that blueberry polyphenols may actually inhibit fat gain at the molecular level. And the higher the dose of polyphenols, the greater the reduction of fat content in the tissue sample, according to the research presented at the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting. Blueberry phytochemicals have also been shown to help alleviate high blood sugar in animal studies. High blood sugar is a risk factor in cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

More advantages of blueberries, beyond their high antioxidant content? “Blueberries are relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fiber compared to other fruits,” says registered dietitian Janet R. Mertz.

So, what does this mean? “If you want to lose weight, you can’t go wrong by combining VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt and blueberries,” says registered dietitian Janet R, Mertz. Of course, VOSKOS® offers a pre-mixed non-fat wild Blueberry Greek yogurt flavor, and a Blueberry + Granola variety. “But you can also make your own version by combining VOSKOS® plain Greek yogurt with frozen wild blueberries, found in the fruit section of your grocery’s freezer case,” says Mertz. Wild blueberries are highest in antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

End Dry Skin Naturally with a VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt Facial

Don’t spend a fortune combatting dry winter skin! You can enjoy a softer, plumper, glowingly hydrated complexion with an inexpensive product that is already in your refrigerator.

Are you suffering from dry winter skin? You can get natural relief without expensive beauty products. “Relief for your dry skin may be as close as your refrigerator,” says Emily Neukircher, the marketing manager for VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt, America’s first nationally-distributed Greek Yogurt brand.

“Many expensive moisturizers and facial creams contain lactic acid, which is found naturally in Greek yogurt,” says Neukircher. “Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant. Adding a natural moisturizer like honey helps rehydrate dry skin.”

This simple face mask recipe contains just two ingredients, and is perfect for soothing dry winter complexions. It’s easy to apply first thing in the morning, and remove in the shower.

VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt Honey Mask

1 Tablespoon Plain Organic VOSKOS® Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Organic Honey

Add honey to a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for just a few seconds, until it is warmed to approximately body temperature and becomes runny.

Remove bowl from microwave and stir in VOSKOS® Greek yogurt. Blend until just mixed.

Apply to cleansed face (avoiding eyes) and allow to sit on your skin for 15 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, you can get into the shower and allow the steam to help moisturize your skin even more.

Remove mask with a warm, damp washcloth.

“This natural moisturizing mask can help you combat the dull, dry skin that comes from heated indoor air this time of year,” says Neukircher. “And if you eat the rest of the yogurt, from the container, it will help you feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside!”

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and contains a number of probiotics—naturally occurring friendly bacteria that are present in our digestive systems. Some research has linked probiotics to healthy digestion and regularity.

Eating Greek yogurt may be even more important during “flu season.” In a study, people who ate two cups of live-culture yogurt every day for three months produced higher levels of immunity-boosting interferon. The probiotics in yogurt have also been shown to stimulate the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Improve Heart Health and Whittle Your Waistline with VOSKOS®

February is Heart Month—and a great time to add heart-healthy Greek yogurt to your diet.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is America’s number one cause of death. Approximately 2,200 Americans die from cardiovascular disease every day.

During February, Americans are encouraged to emphasize heart health by exercising and eating a healthier diet—and Voskos Greek Yogurt can be a part of that, says personal trainer Nikko Generales.

“The first thing everyone should be doing is making an honest attempt at becoming more physically active,” says Generales. “Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in every day.”

Generales continues, “The second and most obvious measure for heart health is eating smarter. One of the most important things you can do is eliminate empty calories by cutting down on sodas, cakes, cookies, candies, and other sugary desserts. Removing refined carbohydrates from your diet can help you lower your cholesterol, lose weight, and thus lower your risk of heart disease.”

Voskos Greek Yogurt can help with this goal in several ways. “Because it’s high in protein and calcium, Greek yogurt makes you feel full longer, to help you cut down on unhealthy snacking,” says Generales. Unlike most snacks, Voskos Greek Yogurt is nutrient rich. And finally, says Generales, “a diet that includes yogurt has been linked with weight loss in several clinical studies. And obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, so by losing weight, you also reduce your risk of heart disease.”