Probiotics Foods in India for Numerous Health Benefits
Our gut is our second brain and has a greater impact on our body. Research shows that we have more bacteria than cells, and the trillions of bacteria in our gut regulate inflammation and immunity.
However, our gut health is often adversely affected
by various factors (like steroids, environmental pills, antacids and unhealthy
foods), damaging our microbiome. However, probiotic foods can help fix gut
health and provide numerous benefits.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics also called "health-friendly bacteria," are live microorganisms found in cultured milk and fermented foods. They provide many health benefits, from improving skin health to boosting the immune system when consumed adequately. Keep reading to learn about the best probiotics in India and how you can use them to your advantage.
Types of Probiotics
Numerous probiotics offer health benefits, including:
- Lactobacillus Species: These lactic acid-producing
bacteria are found in the human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and
increase mineral bioavailability. Examples include L. plantarum, L. bulgaricus
and L. sporogenes.
- Bacillus Species: Bacillus coagulans is a lactic
acid-producing bacterium that may reduce harmful bacteria and prevent them from
dominating our system.
- Bifidobacterium Species: These bacteria produce lactic and acetic acids and include Bifidobacterium infantis.
Here are various probiotic foods to include in your diet for staying healthy:
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a readily available and excellent source of probiotics. It is made by fermenting pasteurized milk with lactobacillus and another bacterial strain. Yoghurt is beneficial for building bones and muscles and can also help reduce and manage antibiotic-induced diarrhoea in children.
However, not all yoghurts contain probiotics, as some are heat-treated and kill good bacteria. Be sure to check the label for "live active cultures" to ensure you are getting probiotics.
2. Buttermilk
Popular in India, Pakistan and Nepal, this beverage is made by using the leftover liquid from churning butter. Traditional buttermilk is a good source of probiotics, vitamins and minerals.
3. Kombucha
You need green tea or black tea to make this fermented drink and also add SCOBY – symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast – to it. Buy refrigerated, low-sugar Kombucha to get the best results.
4. Pickles
Pickles are a traditional probiotic food commonly prepared in India by fermenting mangoes or other fruits or vegetables with sea salt and water. To ensure the probiotic effect, vinegar should not be used. Pickles also have fewer calories and are rich in sodium and vitamin K.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi, an Asian fermented food primarily made from cabbage and radishes, is a rich source of probiotics that offer various health benefits. It contains Lactobacillus kimchi and other lactic acid bacteria that may promote digestive health. Cabbage-based kimchi is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), iron and vitamin K.
6. Kefir
Kefir is an ideal choice for those with lactose intolerance. It is a fermented milk drink that is rich in probiotics and is prepared by adding kefir grains to cow's or goat's milk. Kefir has been shown to colonize the intestinal tract, increasing the likelihood of providing gut-healing benefits.
Benefits of Probiotics
Wondering what are the benefits of probiotics? Well, probiotics have several benefits, including promoting gut health, enhancing immunity, reducing cholesterol, influencing insulin resistance and body weight, improving skin health and boosting oral health by preventing diseases like dental caries.
Conclusion
For probiotics to restore normal flora and provide health benefits, they must be able to survive in the intestine. This requires choosing stable and non-toxic probiotic foods that can reach the target cells and provide the consumer with several health benefits.
Also, Visit here: 7 Common Myths about Constipation
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