8 Health Benefits of Yogurt Parfaits That May Surprise You

Parfaits comprising yogurt, fruits, granola, and/or nuts contain nutrients like protein, probiotics, dietary fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients that provide more health benefits than you think.

Parfaits are great for improving gut health and increasing strength gains in people who train, and they are also beneficial for improving bone health.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, as I’ll be covering a lot more in this post.

That being said, I see people tend to overestimate the effects of things. In my research for this article, I noticed lots of “parfait benefits” that had little to no backing behind them.

Is it propaganda started by parfait businesses? Who knows.

My goal is to outline the benefits of parfaits that actually have some scientific backing behind them, so stick around and let’s get into it.

Health Benefits of Consuming Parfait

Most of the proposed benefits of parfaits mainly come from the yogurt used in them. Parfaits made with Greek yogurt will provide broader and denser nutritional value.

Fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds, along with the yogurt, provide vitamins and minerals that supplement each other.

Parfaits are:

1. A rich source of probiotics for gut health

Parfaits, because they mainly contain yogurt, are rich in probiotics, which are “good bacteria” that promote gut health.

Probiotics help to balance your gut microbiota, aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

Additionally, yogurt contains live microorganisms, which have been linked to better gastrointestinal health and a lower risk of digestive disorders.

Studies have found that probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, can help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce gut inflammation.

2. It helps increase total strength in people who train

Parfaits are, surprisingly, a great post-workout snack.

Due to their combination of protein from yogurt and carbohydrates from fruits and granola, they make a great post-workout snack for people who strength train.

Protein is required for muscle repair and growth, whereas carbohydrates replenish glycogen stores and give you energy.

This is why having a parfait made with Greek yogurt, dried or fresh fruits, and nuts after a workout can help with recovery, muscle protein synthesis, and long-term strength gains.

Additionally, a study was carried out on people who consumed Greek yogurt regularly for 12 weeks while strength training.

The results revealed increased gains in total strength and improved bone formation.

3. Reduces bone resorption

Yogurt yet again, is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are crucial for bone health.

What makes these nutrients effective for bone resorption?

Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and utilization.

A trial was carried out on a group of untrained young males who were given Greek yogurt 3 times per day and strength trained daily.

The result showed a significant reduction in bone resorption and an improvement in bone health compared to the group that did not consume yogurt.

4. Supports your digestive health

The combination of yogurt and fruits in parfaits provides a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, which promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.

Fiber also serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Yogurt also contains lactase, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of lactose, making it suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

5. It boosts the immune system

Parfaits boost the immune system by providing essential nutrients like vitamins C and D from fruits, as well as probiotics from yogurt, which help fight infections and strengthen immunity.

70–75% of our immune system is in our gut, and probiotics found in yogurt help improve gut health, which leads to a thriving immune system.

6. Provides Sustained Energy

Parfaits provide sustained energy throughout the day thanks to their well-balanced carbohydrate, protein, and fat content.

Carbohydrates from fruits and granola serve as a source of fuel for your body.

While protein from yogurt helps you maintain muscle mass and regulate blood sugar levels.

Healthy fats from nuts or seeds, if included, increase satiety and slow carbohydrate digestion, preventing energy spikes and crashes.

7. It helps you lose weight

Yogurt parfait is a valuable addition to a weight loss meal plan because of its nutrient density and versatility with portions.

The protein and fiber content in parfaits promotes a feeling of fullness and helps control appetite, thereby reducing overall calorie intake.

Additionally, the combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats promotes metabolic function and fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass.

8. May protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes

Yogurt parfaits may offer protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to their nutrient content, which includes heart-healthy components like probiotics, fiber, and antioxidants.

A study revealed an 18% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes with daily yogurt intake.