Probiotic-Rich Foods and Why You Should Add Them to Your Diet?

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Probiotic foods contain friendly bacteria that are beneficial for the digestive system. Besides, the regular consumption of
Probiotic foods can provide a wide range of health-related benefits for individuals.

Probiotics have become an essential part of a person’s diet these days. Probiotics offer a slew of benefits for individuals that have been confirmed in several studies. If you are looking to jump on to the Probiotic bandwagon, here’s an insight into what you would need to understand about these health boosters. We will also take a look at some of the best and most nutritious Probiotic foods available in the market today.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are essentially microorganisms that are available in fermented foods and supplements. The human body does not necessarily need these probiotics owing to the healthy bacteria already present in the gut. However, adding a small amount of these foods to the regular diet can prove to be beneficial for the digestive system.

Health Benefits of Probiotic Foods

Probiotic foods are beneficial for the human body in more ways than one. 

Some of them include:

  • Beneficial for the Digestive System: Probiotic foods contain good bacteria, which can help flush out harmful bacteria from the gut and keep it healthy.

  • Beneficial for the Heart: Probiotic foods lower blood pressure and the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in the body, thereby contributing to a healthy heart.

  • Beneficial for Mental Health: Many studies have shown that probiotics improve mental health and help treat issues like memory loss, depression, autism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.

  • Beneficial for the Skin: Some strains of Probiotic have been found to provide relief from the symptoms of skin diseases like eczema.

Top Probiotic Foods to Enrich Your Diet

Now that you have an idea of how probiotics can be beneficial for your health, here’s a look into the top Probiotic foods you can incorporate into your daily diet.

1. Yoghurt

This is among the best and easily available sources of Probiotic. Made from fermented milk, yoghurt contains plenty of friendly lactic acid bacteria, which aid in treating many health issues. Studies have revealed that the consumption of yoghurt can reduce the severity of diarrhoea while also relieving the symptoms of other gut-related issues like irritable bowel syndrome.

Regular consumption of yoghurt can also help control blood pressure levels while improving bone health. Furthermore, it can also be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant without any side effects.

Point to note: Ensure to opt for yoghurt containing live or active cultures as processed yoghurt does not contain Probiotics.

2. Sauerkraut

Considered one of the oldest of traditional foods around, Sauerkraut is made from shredded cabbage fermented by friendly lactic acid bacteria. Usually used as a side dish with sausages, Sauerkraut can remain fresh for months when stored properly in an airtight container.

Sauerkraut provides all the benefits of Probiotic foods. Besides, it offers other health benefits, thanks to its high iron, manganese, sodium and Vitamin’s B, C and K levels. It has also been shown to have high levels of antioxidants like zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for the eyes.

Point to note: Ensure to opt for the raw, unpasteurised variety of Sauerkraut as pasteurisation destroys the live cultures in the food.

3. Pickled Cucumbers

These Probiotic foods are great for overall digestive health. Made of cucumbers which are fermented by lactic acid bacteria in a salt solution, they also contain high levels of Vitamin K which can help in blood clotting.

Point to note: Choose pickled cucumbers that do not contain vinegar, as vinegar kills the live cultures.

4. Kimchi

A traditional Korean side dish, Kimchi is made from fermented cabbage mixed with seasonings like salt, scallion, ginger, garlic and pepper/chilli flakes. It can also be made from other vegetables.

The lactic acid present in Kimchi is beneficial for the gut. In addition to this, Kimchi also contains other nutrients like riboflavin, iron and Vitamin K, which offer other health benefits for the body.

Also, Visit here: How to Improve your Immunity during COVID-19?

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