This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Last Updated on January 2, 2024
Probiotics are live microorganisms made of good bacteria with numerous health benefits to the body. While there are probiotic supplements, you can also consume others as food. Read on to learn more about probiotics.
Benefits of a Probiotic-Rich Diet
Probiotics can boost your immune system
When you take probiotics, it can boost your immune system and prevent cold and flu-like infections and respiratory complications. Probiotics are also associated with the production of natural antibodies, which help fight against infections.
Probiotics improve various mental health conditions
Taking probiotics can boost mental health. Various studies link gut health to mood and improved mental disorders. Probiotics can help reduce anxiety, boost mental outlook, relieve depression and improve memory.
Probiotics can treat diarrhea
Probiotics can prevent and treat diarrhea. According to some studies, some people felt relieved from diarrhea after taking probiotics within a few hours. This depends on the probiotic and the dose.
Probiotics can keep your heart healthy
Taking probiotics can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, thus, keeping the heart healthy. Some lactic acid-producing bacteria can break down the bile in your gut, resulting in reduced cholesterol and improved digestion.
Probiotics may reduce certain eczema and allergies
Children who take probiotics may experience reduced allergies and eczema. This mostly occurs in children and infants who take probiotics that have milk supplements. Also, women who take probiotics during pregnancy may experience less risk of developing eczema.
Probiotics can reduce symptoms of some gastrointestinal disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition in most people. There are many types of probiotics for sale that can improve gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults. Probiotics can also prevent the growth of helicobacter pylori that might cause stomach cancer and ulcers.
7 Most Popular Probiotic Foods
Yogurt
Yogurt is made from fermented milk with yogurt culture. It contains calcium and protects and aids digestion. Yogurt also promotes bone health and protects against osteoporosis, aiding digestion.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt. It is made by adding grain to cow or goat milk, a good source of calcium, and probiotic bacteria. The grains are cultures of yeast and lactic acid and resemble cauliflower.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage by lactic acid bacteria. It is sour and can stay for several months when stored in an airtight container. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and offers several health benefits to the body.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a fermented plant-based protein product that originated from Indonesia. It is a soybean product and often contains additional grains and beans with high protein content. It provides several benefits to the body because it contains vitamins, minerals, and calcium.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a fermented probiotic that contains cabbage as the main ingredient. It also contains other vegetables, chili pepper, garlic, salt, flakes, ginger, and scallion.
Miso
Miso is a fermented Japanese seasoning made of soybeans mixed with salt and a fungus called Koji. It also contains other ingredients like rice, rye, and barley. Miso has a salty taste and comes in many colors such as yellow, red, white, and brown.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a sweet, fermented black or fizzy green tea. It contains friendly bacteria and yeast and has several health benefits to the body.
In Conclusion
From the above information, no doubt that probiotic food can have powerful health benefits. While there may be no specific quantity when taking probiotics, you can incorporate them into your diet to improve your health and aid digestion.
