It will be very unwise on our part to judge something on the basis of a generalized concept. Bacteria do not mean the harmful pathogen all the time. Bacteria may also refer to the beneficial microorganisms, known by the name of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial forms of gut bacteria that help stimulate the natural digestive juices and enzymes which keep our digestive organs functioning properly.
Nowadays, more emphasis is given on the consumption of healthy or organic foods. Diet trends, like any other trend, tend to pop up every now and then, and it is really difficult to distinguish between what is fad and what is really healthy and beneficial. Probiotics are newly popular diet concepts, but there is no doubt about the fact that they have some definite health benefits. They are easy options to incorporate into your regular diet, thereby acting as a valuable addition to your nutritional regime. Some foods have naturally occurring probiotics in them, but the increasing popularity of probiotics has led to production and sale of specialized foods with added probiotic benefits.
The Top 10 Probiotic Foods
- Yogurt/Curd: One of the best probiotic food is live-cultured yogurt, especially handmade. Goat's milk and cheese are particularly high in probiotics like thermophillus, bifudus, bulgaricus and acidophilus. Make sure to read the ingredients list as not all yogurts are made equally. Many popular brands are filled with high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors.
- Kefir: It is a Russian favorite. It is quite similar to yogurt and is generally made from a combination of goat milk and fermented grains. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir also contain few beneficial yeast varieties and is rich in antioxidants.
- Sauerkraut: It is uniquely made from fermented cabbage as well as from other vegetables. Sauerkraut is extremely rich in healthy live cultures and in vitamins A, B, E and C. It is also an allergy reducer.
- Dark Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolates have four times the amount of probiotics than what you can expect in dairy products. But do remember to eat chocolate in moderation.
- Microalgae: This type of bacteria is basically available from sea or ocean based like spirulina, chorella and blue-green algae. These probiotic foods have been shown to increase the amount of both lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in the digestive tract. They also act as a major energy booster.
- Tempeh: They are made from fermented soybeans and are rich in probiotic grains. They are great substitutes for meat or tofu. It contains good amount of vitamin B12. It can be eaten with salads or in sautéed or baked forms. It is also low in sodium.
- Miso Soup: It is made from fermented rye, beans, rice or barley. Adding a tablespoon of miso to some amount of hot water makes an excellent, quick, probiotic-rich soup, full of lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria. It is widely used in Japanese traditional medicine apart from its application in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator.
- Kimchi: Kimchi is an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage and it is a great source of probiotics, beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2. Kimchi is an Asian form of pickled sauerkraut.
- Kombucha Tea: It is a form of fermented tea, high in healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink is believed to help increase your energy while promoting weight loss and your overall well-being. However, kombucha tea may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those who have a problem with candida.
- Sour Pickles: Naturally fermented pickles (where vinegar wasn't used in the pickling process) are particularly rich in good bacteria. Solution of sea salt and water encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, and gives sour pickles some digestive benefits.
Probiotic supplements are also available in the market. What is more important is that you do not have to compromise on the taste and flavor fronts while incorporating probiotics in your diet. Having fruits with a bowl of yogurt or biting into the slabs of dark chocolates will definitely tickle your taste buds. Supplementing your meals with a teaspoonful of pickles will tease your flavor senses!
