Probiotic foods, what are they? How they work and benefits

Probiotic foods, what are they? How they work and benefits

Pickles, yogurt, kefir, fermented milk, kombucha, are some of the probiotic foods, rich in microorganisms that are good for your health.

Probiotic means “pro-life”. This term is also present when we talk about food. Therefore, probiotic foods are nothing more than foods that contain live microorganisms, which are beneficial to the body, such as some bacteria and yeast.

Contrary to common imagination, these foods do not contain small living beings that harm health. In fact, these beings help regulate the intestinal flora, such as lactobacilli (a group of bacteria), for example.

However, probiotic foods are consumed more by us than we imagine. For example, yogurts, milk, kombucha, pickles and other products are rich in probiotics. However, it is not completely recommended by science to consume these foods if you are not in good health, as there may be side effects.

Probiotic foods

Probiotics are rich in live microorganisms. Among them are bacteria and yeast. The most common bacteria are known Lactobacillus e Bifidobacterium. The most common yeasts, which are also probiotic bacteria, are Saccharomyces boulardii.

It is important to clarify that probiotic foods are those in which these microorganisms act through fermentation. This means that they make food more acidic, as these animals consume the original food and release an acid, usually dairy acid, which makes the food sour. Therefore, in a regulated way, they are good for those who consume them, like yogurts.

How probiotic foods work

Probiotic foods are beneficial to our health. To clarify, it is because these small living beings improve the functioning of the intestine in general. And how do they do that? In short, they eliminate other pathogenic microorganisms, which cause harm, toxins and, consequently, clean the intestine. Likewise, they even improve the frequency of bowel movements.

Some probiotic foods

Yogurts

The most popular among probiotic foods, yogurt is made with the fermentation of bacteria found in milk. In short, the microorganisms that are in the milk feed on the milk sugar, which is lactose, and release an acid. Thus, this acid (lactium) curdles the liquid and makes it firmer and creamier, slightly sour. Thus, yogurt was born.

Fermented milk

Fermented milk has live lactobacilli. It is very good for those who have diarrhea, as it repopulates our intestinal flora, as the lactobacilli are very active, making it probiotic.

Shoyu

This classic sauce from Japanese cuisine is also probiotic. Shoyu is fermented by microorganisms. Used as a seasoning for red meat, fish and salads, it also has antioxidant action.

Pickles

Pickles are those preserved vegetables. Also, contrary to what many people think, they are not just made from cucumber. In short, carrots, cauliflower and others can be preserved.

In short, in the brine in which the pickle is placed, fermentation takes approximately four to six weeks. Those preserved in vinegar are not fermented, so they are not probiotic foods.

Kombucha

This strange name has become popular. The kombucha drink is made by fermenting black or green tea. Basically, a colony of bacteria and yeast is responsible for making this drink probiotic. In short, this drink is very energetic and tasty, especially when fruit is added to the middle of the drink, it resembles a flavored soda.

Kefir

Kefir is also like fermented milk. It is a colony of bacteria that forms “grains”. Firstly, when these bacteria are placed in any milk, they consume the lactose in it and make the liquid thicker, more acidic than yogurt. Secondly, after this rapid multiplication that they do, simply strain and consume the liquid. You can mix it with sugar, honey or other things to sweeten it.

Sauerkraut

In short, this typical German food is made from cabbage fermented in brine, and can include other vegetables. In other words, in sauerkraut the plants’ natural microorganisms act in this fermentation. Finally, in addition to being probiotic, it has vitamins K and C, in addition to being low in calories.

Benefits of probiotic foods

Probiotic foods can be very good for the functioning of the body in different ways. In short, they help to improve and maintain healthy intestinal microorganisms.

In addition, they also help prevent microorganisms that are not good for the body from proliferating in the digestive tract. This way, they can also treat diarrhea, for example, probiotic foods also help increase immunity.

Sources: ECycle, LiveUp, Guide of the Week

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