Probiotics are live bacteria that provide numerous benefits to the gut and intestinal tract. They are known to improve digestive function, boost the immune system, heal inflammatory bowel conditions like IBS, manage eczema in children, prevent and treat urinary tract infections and fight food-borne illnesses. A new research has also shown that people who eat probiotics usually have a lower blood pressure compared to those who do not.
The most common source of this bacteria is yogurts, but what happens if you’re not a big fan of yogurt? Of course, you can still get this good bacteria from a number of other sources. Below are some of these other sources asides from yogurt.
1. Fermented vegetables
Fermented vegetables have been through a process of lactofermentation, a method of food preservation that enhances the nutrient content of the food and produce probiotics. Also worth noting is that fermented vegetables have more benefits compared to fresh vegetables.
2. Fermented cheeses
Fermented cheeses, just like fermented vegetables, have been through a process of lactofermentation. The probiotic content in these cheeses vary, but a great Gouda happens to be one of the best.
3. Kefir
Kefir is similar to yogurt and is a combination of goat’s milk and fermented kefir grains. It is a rich source of antioxidants and is also high in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria.
4. Miso soup
Miso soup is made from fermented rye, beans, rice, or barley. Add a tablespoon of miso to some hot water to make a quick probiotic-rich soup that is full of lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria. Asides providing beneficial probiotics, it has anticancer effects and is a good source of nutrients, including copper, manganese, and vitamin K. Miso is also known to be nutrient-dense and is believed to neutralize the effects of environmental pollution, alkalinize the body and stop the effects of carcinogens in the system.
5. Tempeh
Tempeh is a fermendted, probiotic-rich grain made from soy beans, and is a great substitute for meat or tofu. It is a rich source of vitamin B12, and can be baked or eaten crumbled on salads.
You can incorporate these into your diet and enjoy the benefits of probiotics.
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