We know probiotics are a good form of bacteria found in our digestive system that stimulate natural digestive juice production. But what you may or may not know are the other health benefits they provide, including:
• Boosting the immune system
• Increasing energy from production of vitamin B12
• Improving breath
• Making healthier skin, since probiotics improve the conditions eczema and psoriasis
• Reducing cold and flu
• Healing from leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease
• Help losing weight
But do you know what types of foods are rich in probiotics to give you these health benefits? Let’s look at a few of the more popular choices…
Yogurt
While most yogurts are beneficial, ones made from goat’s milk are the highest in probiotics, like thermophiles, difudus, bulgaricus and acidophilus. Be sure read the label and stay away from yogurts containing high levels of high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.
Sauerkraut
Usually made from fermented cabbage, although some types have other vegetables included too, this naturally high probiotics is also a good anti-allergen and a good source of the vitamins B, A, E, and C. No wonder it tastes so good atop a bratwurst!
Dark Chocolate
In addition to being chocked full of anti-oxidants, some of these tantalizing tidbits can contain up to four times more probiotics as many types of dairy. Now you have a healthy reason to indulge in chocolate (in moderation)!
Spirulina
If you have never heard of this food, you are not alone. However now that you know about it, you should try it as it is proven to increase the amount of lactobacillus and bifidobacterial in the digestive tract. Made from a blue-green alga found in both salt and fresh water, it can be taken as a tablet or added to food as a powder.