08 September, 2024

Surprising Reasons Why Yoghurt Is Essential for a Healthy Gut

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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Consuming Yoghurt

Who doesn't love a good helping of yoghurt? It's a delicious and nutritious snack that you can enjoy - both to satisfy your sweet tooth or your savory cravings. What’s more, yoghurt offers various health benefits as it boosts your immunity and reduces the risk of certain diseases.

Most importantly, yoghurt contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that can help keep your digestive system running smoothly. In this article, you'll find out why yoghurt can do wonders for your gut health.

1. Regulates digestive health

Yoghurt plays a key role in keeping your gut healthy and balanced because it is rich in probiotics. These live bacteria and yeasts aid digestive health and help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach. Eating yoghurt with active cultures can help balance bacteria in the digestive system. Additionally, probiotics can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.

2. Gives your stomach what it needs

Because yoghurt is so nutritious, it can provide many health benefits. This snack is an excellent source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which are important minerals and nutrients necessary for a healthy body. These minerals and nutrients help nourish and maintain the digestive system, providing essential support for the body. Additionally, yoghurt is rich in protein, which maintains the integrity of the gut lining and keeps the digestive system healthy.

3. Reduces gut inflammation

Consuming yoghurt can significantly reduce inflammation in the digestive system while maintaining good digestive health. Studies have shown that incorporating yoghurt into your diet can help lower cytokine levels, substances that can cause inflammation. Decreasing inflammation in the digestive tract can improve your digestive well-being and reduce your risk of various digestive issues.

4. Prevents certain diseases

As mentioned earlier, the probiotics in yoghurt restore balance in our gut flora. This means that they help balance the amount of "bad" and "good" bacteria in the gut, which are crucial for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients and minerals. The same good bacteria can also strengthen our immune system and reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer like colorectal cancer.

5. Improves mood

Eating yoghurt isn't just good for your physical health, but your mental health as well. Certain studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce stress levels. This is because the "good" bacteria found in yoghurt can help balance the levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. With that said, the next time you're feeling down, consider eating some yoghurt to help boost your mood.

A few things to remember

First, when buying yoghurt, you should always check the label to ensure it contains "live and active cultures." This means that the yoghurt contains beneficial bacteria that are alive and active. Second, yoghurt with added sugar is okay, but watching your intake is crucial as too much sugar can be unhealthy. Finally, you should consider buying plain yoghurt and adding some fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for a nutritious and tasty snack.

It’s yoghurt, a big scoop of nutrients!

Yoghurt offers many benefits to support a healthy gut. Not only is yoghurt a fantastic source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it also contains good bacteria that can help digestion and encourage their growth in the gut. Yoghurt also enhances the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Baladna offers a wide selection of nutritious yoghurt produced from fresh farm milk. It's rich in essential vitamins and minerals and keeps your gut healthy and happy. Contact us to order a cup or tub of Baladna yoghurt!

14 May, 2024

Traditional Greek Dishes with Feta Cheese You Must Try

The world of feta cheese is a salty, crumbly one - and we have Greece to thank for that. This cheese has been a favorite in many cultures and cuisines for centuries, and are you even surprised? It’s delicious and goes well with so many different meals. It’s also what makes Greek Salad so irresistible. Aside from its savory goodness, it’s also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also packed with protein and light on the fat, so it’s a win-win option for those who lead a healthy lifestyle. The best part about feta cheese is its versatility. One can’t help but get creative with this type of cheese, and we’re here to share two dishes that you must try to make with the feta cheese you have hanging around in your fridge. SpanakopitaSpanakopita is a beloved Greek snack and one of the most popular dishes in Greek cuisine, and for good reason. It is a flaky pastry parcel filled with a delicious combination of sautéed spinach, gooey feta cheese, and a unique blend of herbs and spices. It makes for a great appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. To make the filling, sauté the spinach with onions and garlic to add a rich depth of flavor that pairs nicely with feta cheese. Once cooled, add chopped parsley, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness, and some salt and pepper to taste. You could also add your favorite herbs and spices as well. The pastry used to make spanakopita is light and flaky, and is usually made from layers of butter and flour, rolled out, and filled with spinach and feta. Alternatively, you can use store-bought phyllo pastry to make the preparations much easier. All you have to do is butter a pan and layer your phyllo pastry on top of each other, with butter separating the layers. Pour the spinach and feta mixture over the phyllo dough layers and then fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the spinach mixture. Bake in a pre-heated 375°F oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.Baked FetaWhen cooking with feta, using only the finest Greek feta is key. That is because feta from Greece is known for its superior flavor, texture, and quality. Baked feta, in particular, requires the best feta to ensure a delicious and memorable meal. This traditional Greek recipe is a must-try! All you have to do is bake a block of feta with tomatoes, peppers, and onion to create a wonderfully aromatic dish that will impress. The combination of flavors creates an unbeatable combination of salty, tangy, and sweet. To prepare this recipe:1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.2. Cut the feta into cubes and place in a baking dish.3. Add the tomatoes, peppers, and onion, and drizzle with olive oil.4. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.The feta cheese will soften and melt into the vegetables, while the tomatoes and peppers will become slightly charred. Adding herbs and spices will infuse the entire dish with a delicious aroma. It’s always better with feta Feta cheese is a magical ingredient that can leave different types of palates amazed. From salads to appetizers, there is so much you can do with feta cheese. If you want the finest Greek feta cheese, check out what Baladna has to offer. We pride ourselves on bringing only the best exotic cheeses to the market. So, if you want to take Greece to your home, order our feta cheese now!

10 October, 2024

Discover the Benefits of Yoghurt as a Staple in Your Diet

Yoghurt has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. It is a delicious and nutritious food that is rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. In recent years, yoghurt has become increasingly popular as a staple in many people’s diets, thanks to its many health benefits. If you wish to improve your overall health and well-being, then adding yoghurt to your daily diet could be an excellent step in the right direction. This article discusses the various benefits of yoghurt and why you should consider making it a regular part of your diet.Appreciating yoghurtYoghurt is a fermented dairy product made by adding live bacteria cultures to milk. The bacteria convert lactose, the natural sugar in milk, into lactic acid, which gives yoghurt its tangy flavor and thick texture. Yoghurt can be made from various types of milk, including cow, goat, sheep, and even plant-based alternatives like soy and almond milk.Yoghurt is nutrient-denseYoghurt is a nutrient-dense food, which means it contains a high amount of essential nutrients with relatively few calories. A typical eight-ounce serving of plain yoghurt provides the following:Calories: 149Fat: 8gSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 11.4gFiber: 0gSugars: 11.4gProtein: 8.5gPhosphorus: 233 mgCalcium: 296mgRiboflavin: 0.34mgYoghurt is also a fantastic source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that reside in our gut and promote digestive health. Probiotics can help improve bowel regularity, boost the immune system, and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.It can help with weight managementYoghurt can be an effective food for weight management because it is high in protein and low in calories. Protein is a satiating nutrient that can help you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and snacking between meals. The calcium in yoghurt can help regulate metabolism and reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that including yoghurt in your diet can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. In one study, overweight women who ate yoghurt as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost significantly more weight than those who didn’t consume yoghurt.It can improve bone healthCalcium, which is necessary for maintaining strong and healthy bones, is abundant in yoghurt. The main mineral that forms bones is calcium, and a lack of it can cause osteoporosis, which is characterized by brittle and frail bones.The vitamin D in yoghurt can help the body absorb calcium more efficiently. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in a few foods, including fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight. However, most people get their vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements.It is versatile and deliciousAs a versatile food, yoghurt can be consumed in a variety of ways. It may be consumed unflavored or with the addition of fruit, honey, or other natural sweeteners. It can also serve as the foundation for sauces, dressings, dips, and smoothies.Greek yoghurt, which is strained to remove the whey, is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt and contains more protein. It can be used in recipes that require a thicker consistency, such as cheesecake, muffins, and pancakes.It is a convenient and portable snackYoghurt is a convenient and portable snack that can be enjoyed on the go. It can be packed in a lunchbox or kept in the office fridge for a quick and easy snack. Yoghurt cups and drinkable yoghurt bottles are also available in most grocery stores and vending machines.Embrace the goodness with Baladna yoghurt Whether you prefer Greek, plain, or flavored yoghurt, ensuring that it is a regular part of your diet can help you reap the many benefits it has to offer. So, why not add a serving of yoghurt to your daily eating routine and enjoy the many benefits yoghurt has to offer?Get your daily yoghurt serving with Baladna! We ensure consumers’ wellness by providing natural, nutritious, and tasty foods and beverages while maintaining the most rigorous food safety and biosecurity protocols. Get your delicious yoghurt now!

16 August, 2024

All You Need To Know About Cheddar Cheese: Our Guide

Cheddar cheese is a favorite among many, thanks to its sharp, tangy flavor and creamy, crumbly texture. This cheese has a long history, with its origins going back to the 12th century in England. It is made from cow's milk and comes in various colors — from white, yellow, and orange, to red and even black.Cheddar cheese is an essential ingredient in many dishes and adds flavor and texture to various recipes. This guide will explore everything you need to know about cheddar cheese — from its history and production process to the different types and uses.Where does cheddar cheese come from? Before dairy and beverage companies made it in bulk, cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar, located in Somerset, in the 12th century. Local cheese makers made cheddar cheese from local sheep's milk, which they kept for their wool. They stored the cheese in caves, which were naturally cool and moist, and the aging process gave the cheese its unique flavor. Over the years, cheddar cheese spread throughout England and beyond. Then, in the 19th century, it was exported to America. Today, cheddar cheese is produced worldwide, including in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It has become one of the most widely-used cheeses in the world and is the star of many dishes such as macaroni and cheese and burgers.What are the different kinds of cheddar cheese? There are many kinds of cheddar cheese that differ in color, preparation, and flavor. Here are eight of the most common types of cheddar cheese manufactured by dairy and beverage companies today.1. Mild Cheddar: Mild cheddar is a pale yellow, semi-soft cheese with a mild and creamy flavor. It is aged for a short period, usually two to three months. It is ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches (or other wraps as well), salads, nachos, and quesadillas. 2. Medium Cheddar: Medium cheddar is a pale yellow cheese with a slightly sharp flavor. It is aged for four to six months. It is excellent for grating on portions of pasta, pizzas, and salads. 3. Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is a pale yellow cheese with a sharper flavor. It is aged for six to nine months and is a great option for cheeseburgers, baked potato dishes, cheesy dips, creamy soups, and vegetable casseroles. 4. Extra Sharp Cheddar: Extra sharp cheddar is a pale yellow cheese with a strong and sharp flavor. It is aged for 9-12 months and is excellent for grating on pasta, pizzas, and salads. It’s also great in quiches and savory tarts. 5. Smoked Cheddar: Smoked cheddar is a pale yellow cheese with a smoky flavor. It is aged for 6-9 months and is excellent for adding a smoky flavor to salads, soups, baked potatoes, and charcuterie boards.6. Aged Cheddar: Aged cheddar is a pale yellow cheese with a strong, sharp flavor. It is aged 12-18 months and is excellent for people who prefer a sharper taste in their dishes. It is ideal for gourmet cheese and crackers platters, cheddar and broccoli casserole, and many other dishes.7. White Cheddar: White cheddar is a white cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. It is aged two to three months and is excellent for sandwiches, salads, and snacks. It’s also ideal for pasta dishes and mashed potatoes. 8. Colby Cheddar: Colby cheddar is a pale yellow, semi-soft cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. It is aged two to three months and is excellent for sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, omelets, quiches, and gratin recipes. Cheddar never disappoints Cheddar is a cheese that is sure to please any palate. If you’re looking for a trusted dairy source in Qatar, Baladna is here for you. Baladna is a dairy and beverage company in Qatar that provides authentic, fresh, and high-quality dairy products. We produce our cheese from the milk we harvest from our own cattle farm to ensure uniform taste and quality in our offerings. Contact us to learn more.

29 October, 2024

The Incredible Soft Cheese: Understanding Labneh

In recent years, the culinary world has seen a surge in the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine, with dishes like hummus, falafel, and shawarma becoming mainstays in many foodie circles. However, there is one Middle Eastern delight that remains a best-kept secret to many: labneh. This versatile, creamy, and tangy yoghurt-based delight is a staple in many Middle Eastern households and is slowly leaving its mark on taste buds around the globe. Today, we will delve into the world of labneh, talking about what it is, how it's made, and how you can enjoy it in various recipes. For starters, what is labneh? Labneh, also known as labna, labni, or lebni, is a soft cheese made from strained yoghurt. It is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria. Labneh has a thick and creamy texture, similar to Greek yoghurt or sour cream, but with a slightly tangier taste. It is often used as a spread, dip, or topping and can be found in both savory and sweet dishes.How is labneh made?Labneh is made by straining yoghurt to remove the whey, which results in a thicker and creamier consistency. The process is quite simple and can easily be done at home. Here's a basic recipe for making your own labneh:Ingredients:4 cups of plain yoghurt (preferably full-fat)1 teaspoon of saltInstructions:Mix the yoghurt and salt together in a bowl.Line a sieve or colander with a cheesecloth or a clean, thin kitchen towel, and place it over a large bowl.Pour the yoghurt mixture into the lined sieve and cover with the cloth's edges.Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the yoghurt strain for at least 24 hours or until it reaches your desired consistency. The longer it strains, the thicker and creamier the labneh will be.Once the labneh is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The labneh will last for up to two weeks.How to enjoy labnehLabneh is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some ideas for incorporating this delicious Middle Eastern secret into your culinary repertoire:1. As a dipMix labneh with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as mint or parsley), olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a delicious and healthy dip. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.2. As a spreadSpread labneh on toast, bagels, or sandwiches as a tangy alternative to cream cheese. 3. In saladsMix a bit of labneh with lemon juice, olive oil, and spices to create a creamy salad dressing.4. In bakingUse labneh as a substitute for sour cream or yoghurt in recipes for cakes, muffins, pancakes, or other baked goods.5. As a dessertSweeten labneh with honey or sugar and serve it with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a light and delicious dessert.6. As a toppingFinally, use labneh as a topping for grilled or roasted vegetables, meat, or fish dishes for added creaminess and flavor.Enjoy labneh today!Labneh is undoubtedly one of the Middle East's best-kept secrets, offering a unique combination of tangy flavor and creamy texture that can elevate any dish. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary horizons or simply searching for a tasty and versatile ingredient to add to your creations, give labneh a try and discover the delightful world of Middle Eastern cuisine.Baladna delivers genuine, fresh, and top-notch dairy products courtesy of our farm, which is home to 24,000 cows. The excellent environment of the farm ensures the production of superior quality dairy products. If you are looking for the best labneh, check out our offerings by visiting our website.