When we talk about natural probiotics, we refer to live microorganisms found in many foods without having to be added artificially. When properly supplied, they contribute to improve body health, affecting the intestinal flora. What are the foods rich in probiotics most prominent?
The best foods in probiotics
The human flora is endowed with live bacteria that promote intestinal health and prevent the development of disease. By consuming natural probiotics, we are adding live microorganisms to our body, which are very beneficial.
With them, digestions become lighter and our immune system improves. In addition, they are a great ally for remove toxins from the body, resulting in a balanced metabolism.
The difference between natural and artificial probiotics is that the former are developed through a natural fermentation process. It is possible that you consume some of them without knowing it, although from here we are going to name some of the most popular foods rich in probiotics for you to take into account:
1. Yogurt
Within the afood rich in probiotics, yogurt is one of the most demanded in the world. Now, not all the ones we see in the supermarket are useful, because to contain these living microorganisms they have to be natural, without having been pasteurized. As an interesting fact, sheep’s milk and goat’s milk contain more probiotics than cow’s milk.
2. Kombucha
It is a not well known probiotic drink that is made from fermented tea by microorganisms named scoby. Natural kombucha is gluten-free, has no gas or added sugar and is unpasteurized, being a drink 100% vegan.
3. Olives and pickles
In Spain we are fond of olives and pickles in the form of gherkins, olives and others. Well, this type of food contains live bacteria after the fermentation process of these vegetables.
4. Raw cheese
Cheese made from raw milk, that is, not pasteurized, it is rich in probiotics. As is the case with sheep’s cheese, goat’s cheese and yogurt, it has greater probiotic advantages than cow’s cheese.
5. Tempeh
The origins of tempeh they are Hindu. It comes from the soy fermentation And it can be eaten in multiple ways, whether it’s sauteed, baked, or raw in salads. It is widely used in vegan diets, being the perfect substitute for meat.
6. Sauerkraut
The sauerkraut is a well-known probiotic food, which is obtained through the fermentation of white cabbage or cabbage. Its flavor is acidic and has a crunchy texture. As with other foods in this category, it is important that it has not been pasteurized.
7. Kefir
The kefir It is a dairy obtained through the fermentation of certain yeasts and bacteria. It comes from Turkey and Russia, being the milk kefir one of the most popular. It is a food very similar to yogurt, although its preparation is simpler and it is endowed with a greater diversity of microorganisms.
8. Kimchi
The kimchi is obtained from fermentation of vegetables, mainly from cabbage. In Korea it is usually consumed frequently, being the accompaniment of meat and fish. Garlic and pepper are added, hence its spicy flavor, its main difference from sauerkraut.
9. Miso
The miso It is a paste made from the fermentation of soybeans, salt and koji. Its texture is creamy, it has a coffee-like aroma and it tastes like meat. The miso soup It is one of the most popular dishes for lovers of Asian gastronomy
10. Microalgae
Are source of probiotics and other nutrients. In the Japanese diet, the consumption of this type of seaweed (kombu, chorella or spirulina) is usually common. It is possible to add them in broths, salads or soups, and you can even make smoothies with them.
If you plan to add these natural probiotics in your daily diet, before doing so you should take prebiotics to take full advantage of its benefits. And is that prebiotics are substances (mainly carbohydrates) that promote the spread of these live bacteria in our body.