The Top 5 Probiotic Foods You Need to Add to Your Diet Now

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to our health. They
are commonly found in fermented foods, and studies have shown that
consuming probiotics can improve our digestion, boost our immunity, and
even support our mental health. If you’re looking to add more probiotics to
your diet, here are the top 5 probiotic foods you should be eating now.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is perhaps the most well-known probiotic food. It’s made by adding
live bacteria cultures to milk and allowing it to ferment. Not all yogurts
contain probiotics, so it’s important to choose a brand that specifically
states that it contains live and active cultures. Look for yogurt that
contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium lactis, which
are two strains of bacteria that have been shown to have a positive impact
on our health. Yogurt can be eaten plain or used as a base for smoothies
and dips.

2. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is similar to yogurt but has a thinner
consistency. It’s made by adding kefir grains, which are a combination of
bacteria and yeast, to milk. Kefir contains a wider variety of bacterial
strains than yogurt, which may make it even more beneficial for our health.
Like yogurt, it’s important to choose a brand that contains live and
active cultures. Kefir can be enjoyed plain or blended into a smoothie.

3. Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable dish that is made with cabbage,
radishes, scallions, and a variety of spices. It’s fermented with
lactobacillus bacteria, which gives it its characteristic sour and spicy
flavor. Kimchi is not only a great source of probiotics, but it’s also
rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Add it to salads, rice bowls, or eat it
plain as a snack.

4. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is made by adding a symbiotic
culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to sweetened tea. The SCOBY ferments
the tea, creating a slightly effervescent, tangy, and sweet beverage. Like
other probiotic foods, not all kombucha contains live cultures, so it’s
important to choose a brand that states that it’s unpasteurized and
contains live cultures. Kombucha can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.

5. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a German fermented cabbage dish that is famously paired with
sausages. It’s made by combining shredded cabbage with salt and allowing it
to ferment. Like kimchi, sauerkraut contains lactobacillus bacteria and is
also a good source of vitamin C. Add it to sandwiches, salads, or eat it
as a side dish.

Adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet is easy and delicious. Try
incorporating these top five probiotic foods into your meals to support
your digestion, immunity, and overall health.