Probiotics are live microorganisms and they are considered to be good bacteria. It works by bringing our digestive system back into balance. There are many health benefits of probiotics such as the ability of curing and preventing our body from certain illnesses. This includes diarrhea, intestinal problems, such as colon cancer and crohn’s disease, as well as female urinary tract and vaginal infections. It is essential to realize that the body requires healthy amounts of “good” bacteria from a balanced diet.
These are the top 10 Natural Probiotic Foods for Your Health
1. Yoghurt
In case you were not aware, yoghurt is one of the best sources of probiotic foods. Yogurt is also very valuable food for its high content of quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals (mainly calcium) and vitamins that satisfy much of the nutritional needs we have. It is difficult to find an equivalent single source of probiotics that is so valuable to our dietary needs and it has the added benefit of being readily available, tasting good, and affordable.
That’s the main reason why so many people call it a “super food”. Yogurt bacteria produces amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and enzymes in greater proportion than those found in milk. This is the reason that yogurt contributes to the assimilation of other nutrients.
2. Kefir
If you enjoy the smooth, cool taste that yogurt provides, you may like to try another cultured milk product that offers you even more nutritional benefits than the yogurt you already know. Kefir is a milk drink concept that originated in and around Russia. Some of the positive effects reported by the people are:
- Improved digestion via probiotics
- Lower blood pressure
- Support for the immune system
- Reduced incidence of constipation and diarrhea
- General improvement of minor intestinal disorders
3. Kombucha
Kombucha is packed with many nutrients. A chief output of the bacteria is acetic acid, which has remarkable antimicrobial properties and is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Another biological product, glucuronic acid, helps detoxify the liver. Many other organic acids, amino acids, B-vitamins, and polyphenols are also present. It is the synergistic effects of all these chemicals which result in the powerful experiences of many who regularly consume this drink.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolates are known to have plenty of minerals in it as well as soluble fiber. Minerals like magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorous, zinc, etc., work by helping the body in cell development and keeping it healthy. The fatty acids found in cocoa that constitute it are saturated and thus easy to digest leaving no harmful traces in the body. It is also known to be rich in antioxidants that rejuvenate the cells in the body and curbing diseases.
5. Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of blue-green microalgae, which has existed in lakes with an alkaline pH since 40,000 years ago. When we talk about the nutritional value, Spirulina is a natural food that contains the most nutrients in the world. In fact, fresh spirulina comprises more than 100 nutritional components, a number greater than any other known plant or herb. This fact has resulted in spirulina being recognized worldwide as the most important dietary supplement for energy and weight control. Specifically regarding its nutritional contents, recent dietary studies suggest that spirulina is rich in vitamins, minerals and macromolecules. Its content breakdown is 50-70% protein, 5-7% lipids and 15-25% sugar, which promotes nutritional balance.
6. Cheese
Cheese is a food that helps strengthen your bones and tooth enamel, it also reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. Cheese helps protect your teeth by neutralizing acid produced by bacteria, as well as providing calcium to build strong bones. Even better, it’s widely available, inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of potency and flavors.
7. Kimchi
Next time you’re at your local natural food market or Asian market, don’t forget to pick up some kimchi. It is a vegetable side dish which is very popular in Korea. Kimchi is made of fermented cabbage and other fermented vegetables. It tastes spicy and is as delicious as it is healthy. This ingredient has a high dose of probiotics from all the bacteria that takes part in the fermenting process. The longer the fermentation, the higher the probiotic potency.
8. Sauerkraut
Like kimchi, sauerkraut also contains probiotic bacteria and anti-cancer compounds that are found in cabbage. Sauerkraut that is available in cans at the grocery store doesn’t contain live probiotics. You can make your own sauerkraut or buy it in preserved jars, as with kimchi.
9. Tempeh
Tempeh is one of the most popular fermented soy food, which is usually used as an alternative to meat. You can find a lot of different delicious recipes that use Tempeh, similarly to tofu. It is worth noting, however, that tempeh contains a higher calorie count than tofu.
10. Pickles
Another favorite fermented vegetable. Vinegar and brine are usually used for the fermentation process, although other mediums, such as edible oils, are also used. Health buffs should definitely go for pickles as regular snacks. Don’t worry, pickles are low in calories. Pickles are also very rich in Vitamin K and it contains around 20% of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin K.
