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Microalgae
Sometimes called “blue algae,” microalgae is a grassy, green plant that is often used in juices. Microalgae is more of a food additive that is created from ocean plants such as blue-green algae, Spirulina and Chorella. When fixing your morning smoothie, add microalgae to include the probiotics that your body needs. – Although this is not a food per se, it’s great to add to your morning smoothie.
What it contains? Microaglae refers to superfood ocean-based plants such as spirulina, chorella, and blue-green algae. Micro algae have been found to increase both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the digestive tract in addition to many other important nutrients: chlorophyll, beta-carotene and the highest sources of protein and nucleic acids of any plant food.
Caution: Micro algae can raise levels of uric acid to the point that kidney stones can form, calcium can be depleted, and gout can appear.
Though it is relatively new to the market, a few types of milk contain added probiotics. Probiotic milk products may be beneficial in alleviating symptoms for a number of gastrointestinal conditions, including Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. According to the Dairy Council of California “milk to which probiotic bacteria have been added, such as acidophilus milk, and fermented milk products” are some of the best sources for probiotics. Benefits of probiotics include intestinal tract health, aiding with allergy resistance, immune system heath, aiding with urogenital tract disorders and lactose intolerance and having limited potential in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
What it contains? It contains Acidophilic bacteria. Some research has concluded that probiotic milk may cause gas and bloating in kids and the elderly, so check with your doctor to make sure it is okay for use in your home.
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When you sauerkraut bread you might wonder what it actually contains? It is nothing but fermented pickled cabbage, which is a stomach friendly vegetable rich with fiber. Used to top sausages or as a side dish, this condiment is made from fermented cabbage. If you are looking for sauerkraut then buy unpasteurized sauerkraut. Just remember:Always consult a physician before eating unpasteurized foods while pregnant.
What it contains? Made from fermented cabbage, sauerkraut is not only extremely rich in healthy live cultures, also helps with reducing allergy symptoms. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamins B, A, E and C. It may contain following probiotics: Leuconostoc mesenteroides, L. brevis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, L. plantarum or L. bavaricus.
Kefir, a fermented milk beverage, is slightly effervescent and tastes like sour, unsweetened yogurt. A milky beverage originating in Russia and Turkey, kefir is thought to be an even better source of probiotics than yogurt. A cross between yogurt and milk, kefir is a delicious way to get probiotics and vitamins into our system. Similar to yogurt, this fermented dairy product is a unique combination of goat’s milk and fermented kefir grains.
What it contains?
High in Lactobacilli and Bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store.Made by fermenting goat, cow or sheep’s milk with kefir “grains,” this drink contains ten to 20 different types of bacteria. According to research published in the American Journal of Dietetics, kefir has been proven to help ease lactose intolerance in some adults.
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If you are allergic to regular dairy products and yogurt then try soy yogurt using soymilk.. Look for labels that say “live and active cultures” to be sure. It is difficult to find soy yogurt in markets, however you may find it health food shops. One can also prepare soy yogurt at home. You can use store-bought yogurt as a starter cultuSoy naturally contains some probiotic benefits, but new soymilk products on the market have added extra live culturesre. In some countries, soy yogurt is labelled as “cultured soy milk” because the term “yogurt” is reserved for dairy yogurt.
What it contains? Adding probiotic agents to soy milk increases its health value. Soy yogurt contains friendly bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
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Popular miso soup is a tofu and vegetable broth soup that is low in calories and high in probiotics and protein. As a probiotic food it helps to treat intestinal disorders. Miso paste is an Asian seasoning made by fermenting a mixture of soybeans, barley, brown rice and several other grains with a fungus namely koji or Aspergillus oryzae. It is Japanese homemade soup and also available in market.
What it contains? The fermentation process is what makes this condiment a source of Lactobacillus acidophilus. There are reports that this soup could have over 160 strains of probiotics. This soup prevents diarrhea and bring back the system to normalcy. Because of the way it processed miso tends to have high amount of sodium that can cause problems. If you consume miso make sure to take proper amount of soup depending on your health conditions.
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Kombucha (cum-bu-cha) is a slightly sweet and fizzy liquid that is fermented. When the sweet black tea is fermented with bacteria called scoby we get kombucha tea.
Probiotics are produced as a byproduct of the reaction between the tea and the bacteria in the scoby. It contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria.
Kings and people of Asia have used this probiotic drink for many centuries and it is believed to help increase the energy and well-being. It is available in Asian grocery stores in western countries. One can have this ice cold or hot. If you are buying at a store look for raw kombucha as pasteurized tea might have not the required microbes.
What it contains? Depending on the preparation it may contain Bacillus coagulans or Saccharomyces boulardii – two types of friendly bacteria for human systems.
It increases energy, enhances well being and helps to lose weight. Only caution is it may not best for every individual especially people who are suffering from candida infections must not consume this tea.
One of the traditional, well known, healthy and live cultured probiotic is curd or yogurt. If you prefer make yogurt at home. It is easy. You can use whole milk to non-fat milk to prepare yogurt. If you are buying yogurt at store then read the lable. It should not contain added sugar, corn syrup, artificial sweeteners or flavors. It should be close to the yogurt recipe that you make at home. Go for plain yogurt that also says probiotic.
What yogurt or curd contains? It will contain Lactobacillus acidophilus. This bacteria L acidophilus is a type of friendly and helpful bacteria that is found naturally in the body, usually in the intestines, mouth, or female genitals. It has considered useful for human health purposes because the bacteria does not cause disease. It also produces vitamin K and lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk products. It is a gut friendly bacteria that helps our system.
