Many people naturally have probiotic-rich foods in their diet, but if you are struggling with gastrointestinal health, eating a more probiotic-rich diet may be beneficial.
Role of Probiotics
Probiotics are foods that contain live bacteria cultures that can improve the microflora environment of your gut. The beneficial bacteria in the stomach is incredibly important both for digestion and immune health, so eating foods that are high in probiotics is an easy (and delicious) way to boost your overall health. Fermented foods are a particularly rich source of these important bacteria.
Foods Rich in Probiotics
One of the most common probiotic foods that find their way into your diet is yogurt, but be sure that you only get yogurt from goat’s or sheep’s milk, and be sure that it comes from grass-fed organic animals, as these will provide the highest level of probiotics.
This fermented soybean product is popular with vegetarians and vegans and will deliver a good amount of probiotics, as it is cultured using Rhizopus oligosporus and can work wonders on your digestive system.
This drink is gaining popularity all over the world and it is made by fermenting black tea with a blended colony of bacteria and yeast. This creates a powerful beverage that can detoxify the body and stimulate digestive processes.
When you ferment soybeans, you can induce the growth of a powerful bacteria called Bacillus subtilis, which has been proven to protect the heart, reduce inflammation, and increase nutrient absorption.
Known as a sweet treat, dark chocolate can support the wellness and functioning of bacteria in the gut and is known to regulate bowel movements.
After fermenting green olives, you can create an antioxidant and nutrient-dense probiotic food to improve digestive speed.
This fermented probiotic drink is made from cow’s or goat’s milk and helps in increasing bone health, improving digestive health, and staves infections.
Pickles (pickled cucumbers) are one of the popular probiotics used all over the world. They are prepared by adding cucumbers to water and salt solution. These pickled cucumbers are left to ferment for some time and then they become a healthy source of probiotic bacteria, which smoothens the digestion.
Beer & Wine
Fermented alcoholic drinks like beer and wine also contain many of the probiotic benefits. They are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, which help in reducing blood clots and regulating cholesterol levels.
Green peas contain Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which is a potent probiotic that boosts the immune system. They are widely available and can be added easily to one’s diet.