According to experts, having a serving of plain, unsweetened yoghurt before your meals can be a simple way to support gut health, improve digestion, boost immunity, and even help with weight management.

So, what exactly can these good bacteria do for you when you have yoghurt before eating?

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• Yoghurt, especially Greek yoghurt, is high in protein. Eating it before a meal can help you feel more satisfied, so you might end up eating less during your main course. This could help manage your weight.

Dr. Srivastav advises choosing plain, unsweetened yoghurt. "Yoghurts with a lot of added sugar won't give you the same health benefits," he explains. "Look for yoghurts that say 'live and active cultures' on the label. This means they have plenty of those good bacteria."

There's no strict rule on how much yoghurt to eat before a meal. A small cup (around 150-200 grams), about 30 minutes to an hour before eating, is a good starting point.

For most people, eating yoghurt before meals is perfectly safe. However, Dr. Srivastav notes that some people who are lactose intolerant might experience discomfort. If you have dairy sensitivities, it's best to talk to your doctor.

According to Dr. Srivastav, having a serving of plain, unsweetened yoghurt before your meals can be a simple and tasty way to support your gut health, improve digestion, boost your immunity, and even help with weight management. So, the next time you're about to eat, consider reaching for a cup of yogurt first!