The Best Probiotic foods You Should Include in Your Diet

We've been talking about workouts to help you achieve and maintain a fitter and healthier body. Now, let's talk about food - more specifically, the area on probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria and these are present in specific kinds of food. 

Probiotics should be an essential part of your diet. Eating probiotic foods helps balance the good vs bad bacteria in your digestive system which prevents the cause of digestive illnesses. 

It's no secret that a healthier gut improves your metabolism and therefore leads to weight loss - and having a better fitness level overall. In fact, studies have shown that overweight people who took probiotics in a 12-week weight-loss diet lost more weight than those who did not take probiotics in their diet for the same period.

So today, we'll explore 8 probiotic foods that will skyrocket your fitness.

1. Miso Soup

Japan is one of the countries known to have the lowest obesity rates. Not only do the Miso soup boast of a mild aroma and exotic taste; the soy miso which is one of the main ingredients is an important source of phytonutrient antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent cancer and heart diseases. The miso soup is quick and easy to prepare.

Nutrients: Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorous, Copper, Protein and Dietary Fiber.

2. Yogurt

Who doesn't love yogurt? As a top pick for a probiotic food, it does a great job at absorbing of vitamins and minerals. The best part about yogurt is that it's readily available and requires zero prep. Choose yogurt instead of desserts that contain higher sugar and saturated fat. 

Nutrients: Calcium, Vitamin B-2, B-12, Potassium, and Magnesium.

3. Kefir

Maybe this is your first time to hear about kefir. It's actually a fermented milk drink made from the milk of a goat, cow, coconut, rice, soy, or sheep. Like yogurt, it's sour, creamy, refreshing. The difference is that it has a more liquid consistency. How does Kefir promote health? It strengthens your bones and lowers your risk for osteoporosis. Now you need this for those fast movements!

Nutrients: B12, B1, Vitamin K, and Biotin.

4. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a fat-free choice. It's a superb probiotic food in that it helps you digest lesser sugar and calories. Easy to prepare, all you need to do is shred cabbage and then ferment it with water and salt in a mason jar for 3 days. This makes one crunchy and sour snack. 

Nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

5. Pickles

Pickles are also low on saturated fat and cholesterol. They assist in weight loss by helping your body digest fewer sugar and calories. Here's a fun fact: Cleopatra ate pickles because she believed they were one of the things that helped her stay beautiful.

Nutrients: Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K and Calcium.

6. Kimchi

Famous for its exotic blend of salty and spicy flavor, the Korean kimchi is just like the German sauerkraut, both are made of fermented cabbages. Like the sauerkraut and pickles, the kimchi is also a low-calorie, high-fiber probiotic food that reduces your sugar and calorie intake.

Nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C, amino acids, iron, calcium, and selenium.

7. Kombucha

For tea-lovers out there here is a drink for you; a fermented and sweetened version of the black and green tea. Kombucha is known to boost immunity, losing weight, and improve overall health. Drink this in the morning on an empty stomach.

Nutrients: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin & Niacinamide (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folic Acid (B9), B-12, and Vitamin C.

8. Natto

The nattō is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It has a powerful smell, strong flavor, and a slimy texture. While this dish is notorious for its smell, the nattō promotes heart health, strengthens your bones, improves digestion, and contributes to weight loss.

Nutrients: Vitamin B6, Folate and Pantothenic Acid.

Final Thoughts

Some of the probiotic foods on this list may not appeal to your taste. This is because of the probiotics that live in them. But to achieve something you never had requires you to do something you’ve never done. That means welcoming new food you've never tried or you don't usually eat.

Remember: The road to a healthy lifestyle is a bothersome and enduring one, but with perseverance and faith in yourself, who knows? 

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