What Foods Contain Probiotic

Did you ever wonder what foods contain probiotic bacteria? Almost everyone is aware that yogurt is one of these beneficial foods, but there are several more.

Tempeh contains probiotic bacteria.

Probiotic foods are any foods that contain a beneficial, live bacteria. The most common of these is Lactobacillus acidophilus, the bacteria found in yogurt and some other dairy products. It was the bacteria in the first probiotic food introduced as acidophilus milk in the 1920s. This milk was touted as a supplement to help people with various digestive problems.

Yogurt had been around for centuries before the acidophilus milk but had been used as a food rather than a health supplement.

Besides Lactobacillus acidophilus there are other bacteria that are beneficial to the human digestive system and contribute to good health. Other probiotic bacteria include:

• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus GG
• Certain varieties of Bifidobacteria
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus case
• Lactobacillus johnsonii
• B. infantis
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Bifidobacterium animalis
• Bacillus coagulans
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactococcus lactis

When you are trying to get more probiotic foods in your diet the idea of nothing but yogurt may not be appealing. There are other foods which contain these helpful bacteria and they are, for the most part, readily available.

Yogurt is one of the main foods that people think of when they think of probiotics. Make sure that the yogurt that you buy specifies that it contains live cultures. Some yogurts do not.

Buttermilk is another food that contains large amounts of beneficial bacteria. Many people like its tangy flavor. Those that do not like either the flavor or the texture might want to consider adding buttermilk to smoothies with fresh fruit.

Kefir is a drink made of milk fermented with kefir grains. The milk can be cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and once mixed with the grain it is allowed to ferment overnight. The result is a very sour drink often mixed with fruit or other sweeteners that is full of nutritious probiotics.

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that has the chewy texture of meat. Unlike tofu, tempeh uses whole soybeans that are allowed to ferment. A type of beneficial mold forms which binds the soy together. Tempeh can be used in many vegetarian dishes as a high quality protien and is one of the few vegetarian sources of vitamin B12.

Miso is a Japanese seasoning that is produced by fermenting various beans or grains. It is used in soups, sauces, and spreads. Miso can be characterized by many things, including the bean or grain that it is made from, the flavor, or the color. Popular types of miso include:

• Shiromiso, also called white miso
• Kuromiso, also called black miso
• Akamiso, also called red miso

Sauerkraut is fermented or pickled cabbage. Fresh cabbage is generally cut and then allowed to ferment in a brine for a period of time. During this time probiotic bacteria are formed.

The odor of kim chi is unforgettable. It is fermented cabbage, somewhat like sauerkraut but much more pungent. It can be made a number of ways, but is normally quite spicy. In Korea kim chi is used as a side dish or a relish.

Brewer's yeast is thought to contain probiotic bacteria. Brewer's yeast is a by product of the beer making process and it contains all of the nutrients that are cast off as the beer is being manufactured.

There are also a number of probiotic supplements that claim to add the beneficial bacteria to your digestive system. Some people don not believe that these work as well as foods that naturally contain probiotic bacteria.

Prebiotics are a relatively new discovery. They are the foods that the probiotics consume, mostly sugars of some sort. By eating prebiotics you can ensure that the beneficial bacteria continue to grow and thrive in your digestive system.

Prebiotics include:

• Honey
• Fruit
• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Sprouted wheat
• Tomato

By adding probiotic foods to your diet, and eating a healthy diet that includes the prebiotic foods you can strengthen your digestive system and your whole body. If you choose to use a probiotic supplement be sure to buy it from a trustworthy source and read the ingredients carefully. Probiotics can be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Knowing what foods contain probiotic bacteria can help you to make those choices.

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