Best Probiotic Foods to eat for Gut Health

14-11-2023

Best Probiotic foods to eat for gut health

Probiotics is the buzzword among all health enthusiasts across the globe in recent years. Unbeknownst to most, we have been consuming probiotic food for many millennia. Probiotics, in simple words, are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that have beneficial effects on humans. They multiply through the process of fermentation – a common practice among people across the globe as means of preserving food and also adding new dimensions to how we consume it. The word “probiotic” came into play in 1960 with the purpose of labelling.

It helps the body in maintaining a good balance of bacteria in the lining of our guts. It can restore the “good” bacteria in the body which can be neutralised after consuming drugs or with passage of time. Probiotics minimises the risk of infection, aids in digestion, restricts the growth of harmful bacteria, better nutrient absorption, and also helps in vitamin production.

While there are numerous probiotics supplements available in the market, its best to stick to the food we eat on a daily basis to cut down on cost and avoid any unforeseen effects that may arise by taking probiotic supplements. Here are some of the best probiotic foods you can add to your meal.

Yogurt/Curd: Probably the most common source of probiotics, it is made by fermenting milk. Not all yogurt contains probiotics, be sure to choose yogurt with live cultures

Kefir: This drink is similar to yogurt but with thinner consistency. The word “kefir” comes from a Turkish word “keyif”, which means to feel good after eating. It is a good option for those with lactose intolerance. This drink contains various strains of bacteria and yeast, making it a more diverse source of probiotic compared to yogurt.

Kimchi: A traditional Korean dish usually made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage, radishes, along with various spices. It is a rich source of probiotics and minerals

Sauerkraut: Quite similar to Kimchi, this dish is mainly consumed in Eastern Europe. It uses finely chopped cabbage and fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It has a sour, salty taste which is usually consumed as a side dish. It is also a rich source of fibre, Vitamins C and K.

Miso: A fermented soybean product made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a certain type of fungus. It is used to make miso soup and very popular among pan-Asian food lovers.

Kombucha: This is a fizzy, fermented tea made from tea concentrate by adding certain types of bacteria and yeast.

Pickles: Pickles are also a good source of probiotic which can be made from any vegetables available in the market. It provides probiotics when they are fermented in saltwater brine.

Buttermilk:Traditional buttermilk is the liquid left behind after churning butter from cream. It is tangy in taste and contains probiotics.

Make sure to choose probiotic foods which are minimally processed and unpasteurised to ensure it contains live probiotic cultures. It is advised to consume probiotic food regularly to maintain good gut health and wellness.