[Yoghurt: a probiotic Mediterranean food].

Yoghurt is a traditional Mediterraean food, based on milk and specific living cultures. Most recent research shows that yogurt bacteria are able to survive passage through the human intestine. Yogurt containing viable starter cultures has been shown to improve lactose digestion in lactose-intolerant people. There are indications for a role of live yogurt cultures in modulating the immune system of the consumer. Long-term consumption of live yogurt reduces nasal allergies, particularly in young adults.