Probiotic Foods

Foods that contain Probiotic Bacteria

What Are Probiotic Foods?

Probiotic foods are any foods that contain a beneficial, live bacteria. The most common of these is Lactobacillus acidophilus, the bacteria found in yogurt and some other dairy products. It was the bacteria in the first probiotic food introduced as acidophilus milk in the 1920s. This milk was touted as a supplement to help people with various digestive problems.

Probiotic Bacteria

Besides Lactobacillus acidophilus there are other bacteria that are beneficial to the human digestive system and contribute to good health. Other probiotic bacteria include:

* Lactobacillus bulgaricus
* Lactobacillus GG
* Certain varieties of Bifidobacteria
* Lactobacillus rhamnosus
* Lactobacillus case
* Lactobacillus johnsonii
* B. infantis
* Lactobacillus plantarum
* Bifidobacterium animalis
* Bacillus coagulans
* Bifidobacterium longum
* Lactobacillus casei
* Lactococcus lactis

A List of What Foods Contain Probiotic Bacteria

When you are trying to get more probiotic foods in your diet, the idea of nothing but yogurt may not be appealing. other foods which contain these helpful bacteria are, for the most part, readily available.
Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the main foods that people think of when they think of probiotics. Make sure that the yogurt that you buy specifies that it contains live cultures. Some yogurts do not.
Buttermilk

Buttermilk is another food that contains large amounts of beneficial bacteria. Many people like its tangy flavor. Those who do not like either the flavor or the texture might want to consider adding buttermilk to smoothies with fresh fruit.

Kefir

Kefir is a drink made of milk fermented with kefir grains. The milk can be cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and once mixed with the grain is allowed to ferment overnight. The result is a very sour drink often mixed with fruit or other sweeteners and is full of nutritious probiotics.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that has the chewy texture of meat. Unlike tofu, tempeh uses whole soybeans that are allowed to ferment. A type of beneficial mold forms which binds the soy together. Tempeh can be used in many vegetarian dishes as a high quality protein and is one of the few vegetarian sources of vitamin B12.
Miso

Miso is a Japanese seasoning that is produced by fermenting various beans or grains. It is used in soups, sauces, and spreads. Miso can be characterized by many things, including the bean or grain it is made from, the flavor, or the color. Popular types of miso include:

* Shiromiso, also called white miso
* Kuromiso, also called black miso
* Akamiso, also called red miso

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is fermented or pickled cabbage. Fresh cabbage is generally cut and then allowed to ferment in a brine for a period of time. During this time probiotic bacteria are formed.
Kim Chi

The odor of kim chi is unforgettable. It is fermented cabbage, somewhat like sauerkraut but much more pungent. It can be made a number of ways, but is normally quite spicy. In Korea kim chi is used as a side dish or a relish.
Brewer's Yeast

Brewer's yeast is thought to contain probiotic bacteria. Brewer's yeast is a by product of the beer making process, and it contains all of the nutrients cast off as the beer is being manufactured.
Probiotic Supplements

There are also a number of probiotic supplements that claim to add the beneficial bacteria to your digestive system. Some people do not believe these work as well as foods that naturally contain probiotic bacteria.
Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a relatively new discovery. They are foods the probiotics consume, mostly sugars of some sort. By eating prebiotics, you can ensure the beneficial bacteria continue to grow and thrive in your digestive system. Prebiotics include:

* Honey
* Fruit
* Raw apple cider vinegar
* Sprouted wheat
* Tomato