Yogurt also contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms similar to those in your gut. Yogurt is made from milk, with a dash of bacteria to kick off the fermenting process. In order to be officially considered yogurt, it has to have one of two specific types of bacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Research today is making some important connections between the types of bacteria that live in your body and your overall health. Studies have linked these bacteria to a wide variety of conditions ranging from mood disorders to infections. Some studies suggest that having certain types of good bacteria may help insulate people from certain health woes. There is some evidence that probiotics, like those found in yogurt, can help prevent or treat some digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and certain types of diarrhea, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Another promising area of research is the role of gut microbes in obesity. Researchers have found that people who are lean and people who weigh too much typically have different types of gut bacteria, says Dr. Stanford. This raises the question: can people lose weight if you change the type of bacteria in their bodies? Researchers are searching for this answer right now, says Dr. Stanford.

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