One of the best things about this time of year is the abundance of fresh locally grown foods. Last summer some of the most popular blogs were on food, grilling in particular, and on gardens. We heard you loud and clear, and this season we're on the lookout for some fresh local produce and for Yogurt friendly gardens and foods. These foods are in keeping with our theme of all things Yogurt, and food flavors that are enhanced by Yogurt.

In our community we are lucky enough to find farmer’s markets, whole foods grocers, fresh foods and veggie stands, artisanal shops and an accommodating climate for home grown vegetables and herb gardens. In the Triangle this summer we're finding an array of foods which are indeed yogurt friendly, and very favorable conditions for healthy and thriving gardens.

Thanks for visiting the Yogurt Fusion blog and Happy Fall!

In the last blog we took a closer look at Yogurt, featured recipes with yogurt and discussed how the good bacteria in yogurt communicates with the bacteria in our bodies. This time we'll look at some of the messages that are transmitted and how they are beneficial to good health. We'll also compare some of the products on the market today.

In this edition of the Yogurt Fusion Blog we're taking a closer look at certainly one of the most important nutritional foods, Yogurt!  Yogurt is an important food because of its properties and uses.  Yogurts rich in live and active cultures support wellness, are a good source of nutrition and are often referred to as a superfood because of its nutritional benefits.

Yogurt refers to milk products that are fermented by cultures of healthy bacteria.  Among the bacteria that can be found in yogurt is streptococcus thermophilus.  Streptococcus thermophilus has important lactic acid bacterial properties.  It is used with Lactobacillus as a starter culture in the manufacturing of fermented dairy foods. Bacteria in the milk ferments and coagulates to thicken the milk for a creamy, uniform blend.  These strains of bacteria produce dairy products having consistent flavor and texture.  These properties have been found to aid the body in complex carbohydrate (polysaccharides) and protein metabolism.

This week's Yogurt Fusion Blog will discuss part three of the series, "Foods for the Immune System."

Immunity refers to your body's ability to fight the bacteria, germs and viruses which lead to illnesses from the common cold to many diseases. A healthy diet plays a large role in how effective your immune system is by providing it with the nutrients it needs.  Single foods aren't responsible for a healthy immune system, but rather a well-balanced diet to include many fruits, vegetables,lean protein and grains which will offer the most overall benefit.

This week's Yogurt Fusion Blog will discuss part two of the series, "Foods for the Immune System."

Immunity refers to your body's ability to fight the bacteria, germs and viruses which lead to illnesses from the common cold to many diseases. A healthy diet plays a large role in how effective your immune system is by providing it with the nutrients it needs.  Single foods aren't responsible for a healthy immune system, but rather a well-balanced diet to include many fruits, vegetables,lean protein and grains which will offer the most overall benefit.

This week's Yogurt Fusion Blog will continue its focus on foods that are helpful in boosting the Immune System, in a two part series entitled, "Foods for the Immune System."

Immunity refers to your body's ability to fight the bacteria, germs and viruses which lead to illnesses from the common cold to many diseases. A healthy diet plays a large role in how effective your immune system is by providing it with the nutrients it needs.  Single foods aren't responsible for a healthy immune system, but rather a well-balanced diet to include many fruits, vegetables,lean protein and grains which will offer the most overall benefit.

This week's blog is focused on Foods to Boost the Immune System.  Cold and Flu season is here and a breakdown in the bodily system can leave us susceptible to infection and illness.  Once ill, it is generally recommended that one drinks fluids, rests and eats a variety of healthy foods, but we can work to remain healthy during this season.

Lifestyle does play a role.  Smoke, air quality, sunlight and poor diet can contribute to a weakened immune system in the form of free radicals.  These molecules can break down cells and leave them vulnerable to invading viruses and bacteria.  Following are some foods which help boost the Immune system and work to keep our bodies strong at the cellular level:

Today’s Yogurt Fusion Blog focuses the lens on Boosting Immune Response with Yogurt!

The Journal of Nutrition’s species study produced data that pointed to a significant improvement of immune response, including the ability to fight off pneumonia. This study focused on a strain of friendly bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) found in cultured foods, such as yogurt and kefir.

Teens & Yogurt?

This week's blog uncovers a new food phenomenon among our youth. Today's youth enjoy frozen yogurt! and have taken notice of the self-serve concept in creating their own spectacular flavor fusions of healthy and delicious yogurt treats.

Stop by and see what the latest offerings are at Yogurt Fusion, Inc., or visit our website: http://yogurtfusioninc.com and sign up for our monthly Favorite Flavor Fusion contest for a chance to win 20% off for a whole year! Simply enter your Favorite Flavor Fusion combos, using the yogurt flavors and toppings offered by Yogurt Fusion, Inc., and title your entries. We'll choose a Favorite Flavor Fusion of the month and the winner will receive 20% off all their purchases for the whole year! Thanks for stopping by Yogurt Fusion and have a great 2011-2012 year!!