Is Yogurt Good or Bad Cholesterol?

Yogurt contains good or bad cholesterol, depending on the product's fat content. Low-fat yogurt (three grams of fat or less) contains good, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Identification

Bad cholesterol, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein), will more often be contained in yogurts with a high fat content, such as those made of whole milk. Look out for "frozen" yogurt, which is often as high in fat and cholesterol as ice cream.

Features

Besides containing good cholesterol, many brands of yogurt are marketed as a health food and so may contain healthy fruits and probiotics--live bacteria that aid in digestion. Yogurt is also known for its high calcium and protein content.

Considerations

While trying to maintain or lower your cholesterol level, it is important to read nutritional labels when purchasing foods like yogurt. Although commonly labeled as a health food, yogurt can be deceptive, as yogurt products have a wide range of fats (and resulting cholesterol levels).

Expert Insight

When checking a yogurts label, be aware that the guidelines for a low-cholesterol food as set forth by the FDA include anything with 20 milligrams of cholesterol or less per serving, or 2 grams of saturated fat or less per serving.

Fun Fact

Scientists have studied whether the consumption of yogurt has any effect on the increase or decrease of good and bad cholesterol levels. European researchers have reported that women who consume yogurt daily may have a drop in bad cholesterol, just as long as they are eating the low-fat variety.