Nutrition: Probiotics

For the longest time, if I had to name an organ of my body that troubled me the most, it has to be my gut. It is not like I cared for it a lot anyway until I realized I needed to address the microorganisms in my gut. 
Our gut naturally contains a plethora of both good and bad microorganisms. Probiotics are basically live microorganisms that are proven to have several health benefits when consumed regularly.
Apart from the most common benefit of aiding digestion, probiotics are also believed to battle depression, improve overall mental health, improve immunity, and the overall health of your skin.

The most common fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, and sourdough bread.

I try including probiotics in my diet daily and it has significantly improved my gut health. I strongly recommend the below-mentioned products that I have tr and can swear by.

Yogurt

Both plant and animal-based yogurts are the most readily available form of probiotics. They are believed to contain multiple strains of microorganisms that aid in digestion. Any regular curd is an amazing source. I sometimes make my own curd, but that is a story I will tell you some other day.




Epigemia has a variety of yogurts. They have recently launched their coconut milk-based yogurt and it is the first plant-based yogurt introduced in the Indian market and I cannot wait to get my hands on one.

Kombucha

As weird as the name sounds, Kombucha is an amazing elixir that is fermented over time and is delicious. I have tried quite a few and I would definitely recommend you check Umami Brew, they deliver a variety of kombucha, all naturally brewed. If you are new to Kombucha, I would recommend you to go for a milder version to start with. 


Urban platter also caters to a wide range of Kombucha. Do check them out as well, the link to their website is mentioned below!!

Pickles

What can be better than those homemade pickles that you bag every time you visit your grandparents. Pickles are not only tasty but are also super healthy, yes, I know you can't believe me on this. But, trust me they are. 


Just in case you cannot get your hands-on some home-made pickle, I will recommend you to check the wide range available on Urban Platter. They are traditionally made and will create the perfect reminiscence of your grandmother's recipe.

Sauerkraut

A Parsi friend of mine introduced me to this magical food. Sauerkrauts are nothing but fermented cabbage and probably the only form in which I like cabbage. Sauerkrauts are so delicious that you will never regret getting your hands on one. 


I would recommend you to try Bombucha, they are simply amazing and are available on Urban platter. You can also make your own batch, I will share my secret recipe in a different blog post.

Yakult

I like to call them goodness in a tiny bottle. It is so yummy and if you haven't tried it, you must. Although Yakult is a supplemental source, it can be a good choice for a day, when you prefer lazying around.


There are so many other alternatives that I am yet to try like Kimchi, Miso, and Sourdough bread. But for now, I at least try to make sure that I have one serving of my good old probiotics daily.

Urban Platter caters to most of my needs when it comes to my healthy food choices. Do check them out!! They are doing amazing work. You can also find their products on amazon.


Do let me know what are your favorite probiotic sources in the comments below! Stay healthy, stay safe!






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