2023-08-15 20:48:48
In the dairy products section, it is sometimes difficult to find your way around. Between the classic plain yogurts, Greek yogurts, white cheeses and we go on and on and the best, new ones regularly appear on our shelves. Because if there is something that is millennial and widespread in the four corners of the world, it is the fermentation of milk. One of these new competitors is the skyr. Have you ever seen it yourself? This is an Icelandic yoghurt, a perfect example of this diversity. Due to its method of production, it has a nutritional composition that is quite unique in its category, which gives it equally unique benefits and virtues. This is why it is one of the star ingredients recommended by many nutritionists, and why it therefore naturally continues to gain in popularity. We present you the specific characteristics of the skyr, and explain to you why – especially as a senior – you would benefit from integrating it into your diet.
Skyr, what is it?
Skyr is a traditional Icelandic yogurt, and very specific to this island. While it’s only been on our shelves for a few decades, it’s well established in this small country — but not native to it. It would indeed be the Vikings who would have imported it on the spot when they settled on the island. The skyr therefore finds its origins in medieval Norway, from where it has however now disappeared — or remains at least known as an Icelandic product.
So much for the little history lesson. But the skyr, what is it exactly? Well, if we call it yogurt, it would be, from a strictly nutritional point of view, closer to cheese – admittedly very soft. The particularity of skyr lies in its manufacturing process, which gives it a thick and creamy texture, close to fresh cheese. Like the latter, it is indeed drained and contains rennet. It is this draining process that distinguishes it from yogurt, which retains its whey, and gives it such a firm texture. But enough of the battles of chapels, the skyr is therefore made from skimmed milk, to which specific bacterial cultures are added – and it is in the yogurt department that you will find it.
What regarding nutritionally? It is also here that it distinguishes itself from its comrades in the dairy products department, and it is these unique characteristics that give it its virtues, sought following by athletes as well as acclaimed by nutritionists. Skyr is indeed devoid of whey – so whey. If this component of other yogurts disappears, it naturally means that the skyr is more concentrated in other nutrients. No need to have done math sup’ to guess it. This is therefore the case with macronutrients, those nutrients that provide energy to the body and therefore constitute our fuel. And among them, it is particularly proteins that it provides, since it contains approximately 12% of them – that is to say practically 3 times more than natural yoghurts, and almost double that of cottage cheese. It’s very simple, skyr is the champion of all protein categories in the yoghurt department. In addition to these, it is also rich in vitamins. In short, its composition is excellent from a nutritional point of view, hence its many benefits.
The benefits of skyr
We have just said it, the skyr contains proteins that no longer know what to do with them. These nutrients play a vital role in building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as regulating blood sugar. The skyr is therefore an ally of choice for athletes and people looking to maintain their muscle mass. But they’re not the only ones who can benefit from a high-protein diet. Pregnant women are one of them, and of course vegetarians, who do not have access to all the proteins offered by meat and must therefore find them in vegetable or dairy products. Finally — what is of particular interest to us here — the elderly stand to benefit from protein-rich foods. These are in fact often undernourished, for various physiological reasons, such as their muscle mass which collapses. In short, no matter your personal status, skyr’s richness in high-quality protein makes it an excellent choice for the health and diet conscious.
In addition to its high protein content, skyr is also low in fat and sugars. It is an ideal option for people following a low-calorie diet or looking to lose weight. In addition to that, its compact texture makes it quite clogging: the skyr has an appetite suppressant effect. If we are satisfied with little, and it does not make you fat, you might as well say that it is the ideal slimming ally. Not to mention that thanks to its high protein content, it strengthens muscle mass, which helps maintain a sporty figure. Of course, that’s on condition that you don’t spill half your sugar bowl in it, which is usually the way children — and gourmands — prefer it! And thanks to its high content of vitamins, especially A and all those of group B, it contributes to good health in the eyes and the skin, as well as to the maintenance of the immune and nervous systems.
And like all yogurts and dairy products, skyr is naturally rich in calcium, and covers a good part of our recommended daily intake. This is particularly interesting for the elderly, who have more fragile bones and often suffer from bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Thanks to skyr, they can help maintain their bone and dental health.
Finally, it is still a common characteristic of yogurts, but skyr also contains lactic ferments – what are also called probiotics, and which are beneficial microorganisms for our digestive system. They promote the balance of the intestinal flora by ensuring an advantageous balance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria which populate our stomach and fight there. A healthy microbiota is essential for good assimilation of nutrients and better general health, for example by contributing to the maintenance of the immune system. Again, this is an aspect of their health that older people need to monitor, as they are more susceptible to infections and other attacks from their environment.
Good to know regarding skyr
How exactly do you consume skyr? Due to its creamy texture and delicately tart flavor, it can be eaten in different ways. It can be enjoyed as is, of course — that’s how you’ll ensure you get the most out of its many benefits. But for those who do not appreciate the taste, it can just as well be flavored with fresh fruit, honey or cereals. Some may also add sugar to it. Its closest cousins in the yogurt aisle are arguably the petit suisses, and it is generally eaten the same way. But it can also be used as an ingredient in recipes for desserts, smoothies or light sauces – it supports cooking, and can be eaten both sweet and savory.
It is also by the little Swiss, much cheaper, that it can be replaced, for fragile purses who would still like to take advantage of its many benefits. Indeed, the skyr is unfortunately one of the most high-end products in its range. But nutritionists point out that thanks to its very simple composition — only two ingredients (skimmed milk and lactic ferments), without additives, thickeners, etc. — private label products, which are more affordable, are just as healthy.
Like all classic dairy products, skyr does not contain gluten, which makes it a very suitable product for people with celiac disease. On the other hand, it is of course rich in lactose. So there are vegetable skyrs for intolerant people. These are nevertheless ultra-processed products – unlike the classic skyr therefore. If one is not intolerant, it is therefore preferable to continue to turn to the latter.
With all these virtues, we would eat it for breakfast, as a snack, and for dessert, right? But it should still be remembered that dairy products are rich, and this is particularly the case with skyr. If it is low in fat, the proteins it contains in mass make it particularly caloric. This is certainly not helped by the large portions under which it is most often marketed. And in general, the recommendations for dairy products are a maximum of 2 per day – they were revised downwards in 2018. In short, like all good things, skyr is to be consumed in moderation – but do not hesitate to don’t try it!
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