Less sweet and less transformed than fruit yogurts, plain yogurt is essential in many households. A good health reflex, but sometimes a little … bland, if you don’t want to add sugar to it. An option exists, however, to add taste, which will preserve you from any sweet or rich addition. This is lemon zest!
Lemon zest (organic) to twist a natural yogurt!
Indeed, a pinch (or more) of lemon zest changes everything. The tangy and slightly bitter lemon taste makes it possible to enhance a natural yogurt, often deemed bland, without added sugar.
But in addition to this little freshness, lemon zest is an excellent ingredient in your snack, as Julie Boët, a nutritionist dietitian and member of our committee of experts confirms.
“Lemon zest contains an impressive quantity of antioxidants, in particular flavonoids and vitamin C. These compounds protect your cells from oxidative stress, a mechanism involved in aging and many chronic diseases”
Unlike lemon juice, lemon skin is also rich in fiber, and in particular pectin, which promotes satiety and regulates intestinal transit. The essential oils present in zest contribute to stimulating the production of digestive juices and limiting bloating. In addition, the vitamin C it contains supports the immune system.
A reflex that easily replaces sugar
Also, the lemon zest brings flavor and freshness while avoiding calories and blood sugar or honey peaks. “If you are reducing your consumption of added sugars, this tip can help you find pleasure in your dairy products while taking care of your health” assures the expert. Certain varieties are more acidulous than autra, and give an even more intense aroma to your yogurt.
On the other hand, if you consume the skin, favor a organic or not treated lemon after harvest to limit the ingestion of pesticides.
Other healthy options to raise a natural yogurt
Lemon zest is not the only option, according to our expert. For even more pleasure, without cracking for sugar, Julie Boët offers:
- Vanilla powder or a little cinnamon;
- Some fresh fruit such as raspberry, mango or pear;
- Shatters of dried fruit (almonds, hazelnuts, nuts) for more crunch;
- Some dark chocolate shavings rich in cocoa for a gourmet touch.
Your plain yogurt will never seem bland!