Best Probiotic Foods and Their Benefits

Probiotics are nothing but good bacteria that are necessary for your overall health. They are particularly useful for your stomach and intestines. The consumption of probiotics keeps your digestive system healthy and working.

Probiotic foods restore the balance of your gut bacteria. Furthermore, they can treat almost anything, from constipation to diarrhea. At the same time, they decrease bloating and flatulence caused by lactose intolerance. Studies have also shown that probiotics help with anxiety, stress, pain and mood changes.

probiotic foods

Here is the list of the best probiotic foods out there:

Miso – this Japanese product is made out of fermented soybeans and the process of making it can take from a couple of days to a year or even more. You can make Miso at home from barley, other grains and brown rice. Miso is high in zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, iron and vitamin B. It can be added to soups, cooked dishes and stews. This ingredient should be consumed in moderation due to its high salt levels.
Tempeh – another ingredient made out of fermented soybean, tempeh is used as a meat replacement in vegan and vegetarian diets. Tempeh is high in proteins, nutrients and fiber.
Kefir – with a thin consistency, kefir is a fermented dairy product, full of probiotics, especially bifidus and lactobacilli. It also has high levels of calcium, protein, B vitamins and probiotics. The yeast inside it battles infections such as candida.
Yogurt – this product is not only good for its high consistency of probiotics, but also due to the fact that it helps with digestion. Studies have also shown that yogurt has a positive effect on women’s brain.
Sauerkraut – it’s a side dish mostly known in Germany and other European countries, made of fermented cabbage. It is a great probiotic source that will restore your gut flora. At the same time, it is high in vitamin C, K, B-complex, antioxidants, magnesium and calcium.
Kimchi – a side dish from Korea; it’s made of cabbage or eggplants, cucumbers or other fermented vegetables. The main good bacterium in it is probiotic lactic acid.
Sour pickles – by making your own pickles, your gut’s health will stay on the track. It is also easier and economical. These pickles are made from lactic-acid fermentation, representing a source of dairy-free probiotics.
Kombucha Tea – this tea is a good source of probiotics that will restore your gut’s health. It is made from yeast and starter bacteria. This beverage is high in antioxidants, enzymes, organic acids and other chemical compounds. It also helps with immunity issues, digestion, prevents cancer, detoxifies your body and treats arthritis.
Buttermilk – this milk is included in the super food category and it’s rich in vitamins D, A, B2, protein, calcium and selenium. It is made from the cream used for making butter.
Micro-algae – it’s the ocean’s food that improves your immunity system. It has detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also fights cancer. This food also improves energy, manages Type 2 diabetes, any cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure.