Probiotic foods – Which ones are they?

We are increasingly trying to consume foods with probiotics as the fundamental role of these bacteria in our wellbeing and the importance of their intake has been demonstrated. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), probiotics are “live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a beneficial effect on the health of the recipient”.

What are probiotic foods?

Our microbiota is made up of a large number of living bacteria that take care of our gut health and prevent the development of disease.  These “good bacteria” protect the body from harmful invaders, and do so in a way that helps the immune system fight infections. Probiotics are therefore responsible for naturally balancing the bacteria in the gut.

What foods contain probiotics?

Foods with natural probiotics, therefore, are those that have undergone a prior natural fermentation process and that have these microorganisms without the need to add them artificially. This means that when we eat natural probiotic foods, we are introducing these beneficial microorganisms for our health, that is, we are improving our intestinal flora.  Some of the foods are:

• Kefir: Kefir is obtained from the fermentation of yeasts and bacteria. Despite being a food similar to yoghurt, its great properties make it one of the favourites among people who are used to eating healthy, in fact, the most outstanding one is milk kefir.

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• Yoghurt: Yoghurt is the food par excellence rich in natural probiotics. In addition to triumphing over kefir, its wide variety of both brands and ingredients allows you to vary the menu. However, not all types of yoghurt are suitable. The microorganisms in the yoghurt must be natural, unpasteurised.

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• Apple cider vinegar: The well-known properties of apple cider vinegar and its versatility in the kitchen make it a winner. As we all know, apple cider vinegar lowers cholesterol levels and regulates blood pressure. In fact, this food stands out for its natural probiotics thanks to apple pectin, which feeds the microbiota.

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• Kombucha tea: is a tea fermented from a fungus known as SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts). It is in the fermentation process that this tea gains probiotics. Despite being little known, Kombucha tea is successful thanks to its sweet and sour taste, which makes it a good alternative to sugary drinks.

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