The many benefits of probiotics makes them important for everyone, with no age or gender limits. They even play a significant role in the health of pets and farm animals. Most importantly, the best probiotics play an active role in maintaining the health of the gut, or the ‘second brain’, and so their importance cannot be overstated!
Following are some of the best probiotic foods.
Yogurt
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- S. thermophiles
- B. bifudus
- L. bulgaricus
- L. acidophilus
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Supports healthy digestion
- Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lowers the risk of colorectal cancer
- Helps prevent osteoporosis
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces bad cholesterol
- Regulates mood
- Treats chronic pain & brain-related illnesses
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Whey protein
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K2
- Enzymes
TASTY TREATS
- In smoothies
- With cereal
- With gronala
- In salad dressings
Kefir
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidus bacteria
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Boosts the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
- Improves immune response
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- 99% lactose-free
- Rich in antioxidants
TASTY TREATS
- As a beverage
- In desserts
- In soups
Kimchi
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
- Leuconostoc
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Reduces allergy symptoms
- Wards off infections
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Beta-carotenes
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamins A, C, B1, B2&E;
TASTY TREATS
- As a condiment
- As a pickle
- With sandwiches & tacos
- As a side
Sauerkraut
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Leuconostoc mesenteroides
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Pediococcus pentosaceus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Improves digestive health
- Improves heart health
- Boosts skin health
- Reduces the risk of macular degeneration
- Builds strong bones
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins
TASTY TREATS
- As a condiment
- As a pickle
- In soups & stews
- As a side or topping
Kvass
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Blood and liver cleansing properties
- Reduces the risk of cancer
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Phosphorous
- Vitamins A and C
- Niacin
- Fiber
TASTY TREATS
- As a juice
- Sliced kvass in sandwiches
- In salads
- To make ice cream
Kombucha Tea
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- B. coagulans
- B. boulardii
- Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Boosts weight loss
- Improves energy
- Improves digestion
- Detoxifies liver
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Aceticacid
- Gluconic acid
- Lactic acid
TASTY TREATS
- As tea
- In dressings
- In smoothies
- In cocktails
Read More: What Kombucha is Best for Gut Health? Find the Truth! 2022
Pickles
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Keeps the gastrointestinal tract healthy
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- B vitamins
TASTY TREATS
- As an appetizer
- As a side dish
- Its brine can be used as salad dressing
Read More: Are Pickles Good For Gut Health? Amazing Facts about Pickles & Gut Health 2022
Soy Milk
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
- Bacillus subtilis
- Lactic acid bacteria
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Helps lose weight
- Cures lactose intolerance
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Protein
- Dietary fiber
- Calcium
TASTY TREATS
- In milkshakes & smoothies
- In desserts
Dark Chocolate
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Bacillus indicus
- Maltodextrin
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Improves blood circulation
- Lowers blood pressure
- Keeps the heart healthy
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Antioxidants
- Nutrients
TASTY TREATS
- In desserts
- In smoothies & milkshakes
- In protein shakes
Raw Cheese
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- S. thermophilus
- B. bifudus
- L. Acidophilus
- L. bulgaricus
- L. casei
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Maintains healthy blood pressure levels
- Good for age-related deterioration of the immune system
- Fights infectious diseases
- Heals chronic inflammation
- Prevents cancer
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- High-quality protein
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamins A, C, D & E
TASTY TREATS
- On burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, & fajitas
- With crackers
- In cheesecakes
Miso
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Lactobacillus
- L. acidophilus
- Bifidus bacteria
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Improves digestion
- Counteracts the effects of carcinogens
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Protein
- Nutrients
- Sodium
TASTY TREATS
- As a marinade
- In soups
- As a spread
- In salad dressings
Tempeh
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Bacillus subtilis
- Nattokinase (a powerful anti-inflammatory enzyme)
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Boosts immune system
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Boosts bone health
- Fights cancer
- Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Protein
- Vitamin B12
TASTY TREATS
- As meat replacement
- In salads, & sandwiches
- As topping
- In desserts
Green Peas
BACTERIAL STRAINS
- Leuconostoc
- Mesenteroides
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Protects against cold, flu and seasonal infections
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B-12
TASTY TREATS
- In salads
- In smoothies
- In pastas, salads & soups
Benefits of Probiotic Foods
Here are 10 ways in which making probiotics foods and supplements a part of your daily diet can benefit you besides aiding digestion, absorbing nutrients and boosting immune function.
- Aid in the overall functioning of the body and provide energy to the brain
- Probiotics replenish the good bacteria that build your bones & strengthen your skeletal system.
- Reduce the risk of developing skin ailments like eczema
- Prevent the growth of harmful microbes that cause urinary tract infections
- Neutralize cancerous cells & control the growth of free radicals
- A daily dose of probiotics is proven to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Stimulate the production of vitamins like B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin
- Probiotic bacteria boost bowel movement and alleviate the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Probiotics restore the depleting levels of beneficial bacteria to ward off bacterial infections.
- Reduce the incidence of allergies and seasonal infections