Probiotics are good bacteria, which are vital to our digestion and gastrointestinal health as well as food absorption. It is very important to consume foods that are high in friendly bacteria, for example yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkruat, pickles, kefir, and natto. There are also many probiotic supplements out there in the market to select from. However, it is always best to consume real foods rather than tablets. Why probiotics play a major part in our health? This is because probiotics help to support immune system, improve digestive system, prevent urinary tract infection, and treat bowel conditions. Other than consuming enough probiotics, having a balanced diet along with high dietary fiber will help to improve your overall health, boost immunity, improve your digestion, and allow your body to absorb nutrients better. Here are top 7 probiotic foods you should be consuming daily.
[divider title=”1. Yogurt” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Majority of people are struggled with poor digestion and food absorption. Probiotics are therefor a must in your diet. Yogurt such as greek yogurt is full of good bacteria or live cultures such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These friendly bacteria will help to ease constipation, improve digestion, and promote better food absorption in your intestines. You should try a cup of yogurt and 1 banana for breakfast everyday.
Check out the link below for more yogurt ideas!
https://www.sirinutrition.com/5-healthy-yogurt-menus-flat-belly/
[divider title=”2. Tempeh” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Tempeh is Indonesian soy product, made from fermented soybeans. It is chewy and has a strong flavour to it. You can steam or fry it, it shouldn’t be overcooked. Some people like deep-fried tempeh, others like stir fried tempeh with chilli sauce. You can cook anyhow you like. Tempeh doesn’t only contain good bacteria, but it is also a good source of plant-based protein. It is vegan and vegetarian friendly food.
[divider title=”3. Kimchi” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
A delicious Korean dish that is full of flavour and goodness. Kimchi is made from mainly fermented lettuce and napa cabbage, seasoning with chilli powder, garlic, onion, apple, prawn paste, and grated ginger. It tastes a little spicy, but there is also sweet, salty, and fishy taste. It is the perfect combination of flavour. Kimchi is good for your health. It contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and A. Not only that, it is packed with dietary fiber and friendly bacteria that helps to improve gut flora and promote bowel movements.
[divider title=”4. Sauerkraut” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, originating from Germany. It is rich in probiotics, vitamin C, K, calcium, potassium, iron and dietary fiber. It is a perfect side dish for healthy gut. Not only that, it is good for heart health, boosts your immune system, prevents colon cancer, and prevents osteoporosis.
[divider title=”5. Pickles” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Pickles are fermented cucumbers that are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron, phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium. Pickles are also high in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It is a good source of energy, aids for digestion, improves bowel conditions, prevents constipation. You should try grilled prawn or black pepper chicken served with mash sweet potatoes, and pickles.
[divider title=”6. Kefir” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Kefir is a ferment milk yogurt-style drink. It is probiotic-rich drink. It is high in calcium, protein, vitamins and trace minerals. It helps to improve digestive system, support immune system, and promote gut health. Kefir can also prevent osteoporosis and promote bone health due to its high in calcium.
[divider title=”7. Natto” style=”style6″ align=”left”/]
Natto is fermented soybeans originating from Japan. It contains live cultures or friendly bacteria, Bacillus subtilise var. natto. These good bacteria are good for your gut health, digestion, promote bone health and your overall health. It contains high in protein, fiber, vitamins and essential minerals such as vitamin C, B-6, calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. You should order natto as your side dish next time you go for sushi.
It is important not to forget to consume enough prebiotics too. Prebiotics such as banana are food that friendly bacteria in your gut feed on.
If you are interested to know more about prebiotics, do leave a comment down below.
Have a great day my friends!
Sirinan says
Thank you very much for your kind words and support. I really appreciate it.
Yes, I have a degree in food science and human nutrition. I hope to encourage people to get healthy and educate more people on nutrition.
Your comments mean a lot to me. Thank you again!
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Sirinan