But research from Kiwi scientists suggests some dairy might actually help prevent allergies developing.
Researchers from Auckland and Otago universities found that yoghurt given to infants in their first year of life may protect them from developing eczema and allergies.
Dr Julian Crane, who led the study, says the results were striking, finding up to 70 per cent reduction in eczema and allergy in the first year of life for daily yoghurt consumers. The more regularly yoghurt was given, he says, the greater the effect.
Although it's just an association at this stage, and not proof that yoghurt is providing these benefits, the researchers say the results should encourage parents to consider feeding their infants yoghurt, especially those worried about eczema or allergies. More research is needed, though, to uncover what's really going on.
This does add to the overall reputation of yoghurt as a great food for all ages, though. If I believed in super foods, I'd give plain unsweetened yoghurt the title.
An original fermented food, yoghurt is an inexpensive, underrated healthy staple. It's a good source of protein.
It's a useful way of getting calcium, important for bone health — and it is one of the few dairy products more likely to be tolerated by lactose-intolerant people.
The probiotics in yoghurt may also be beneficial in various ways, from improving oral health to encouraging weight loss. Gut health is the subject of much ongoing research, with different strains of probiotic associated with different benefits.
It can be tricky to know exactly which probiotic culture — and how much — you're getting in yoghurt, though. Although yoghurt must contain one million live bacteria per gram, in practice this can vary widely.
Look for specifics on labels — the strains, the proof of benefit and the dose. And think of the probiotics as an extra; a nice potential bonus to an already healthy food.
• Niki Bezzant is editor-at-large of Healthy Food Guide www.healthyfood.co.nz
