Probiotics — which are usually beneficial bacteria — provide all sorts of powerful benefits for your body and brain.
They may give you better-looking skin, improve digestive, reduce depression and promote heart health.
Getting probiotics from supplements is popular, but you can also get them from fermented foods.
- Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. It is made from milk that has been fermented by friendly bacteria, mainly lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.
Eating yogurt is associated with many health benefits, including improved bone health and for people with high blood pressure.
- Kefir
Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk drink. It is made by adding cultures of lactic acid bacteria to cow’s or goat’s milk.
The word kefir allegedly comes from the Turkish word keyif, which means “feeling good”.
- Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria. It is one of the oldest traditional foods and is popular in many countries, especially in Europe.
In addition to its probiotic qualities, sauerkraut is rich in fiber as well as vitamins C, B and K, high in sodium and contains iron and manganese.
- Some Types of Cheese
Although most types of cheese are fermented, it does not mean that all of them contain probiotics. Therefore, it is important to look for live and active cultures on the food labels.
The good bacteria survive the aging process in some cheeses, including Gouda, mozzarella, cheddar and cottage cheese.