In this cold and flu season you might want to turn to some little bugs for some additional immune help. Probiotics are a phenomenal source for boosting the immune system. By boosting your immune system, your body is able to fight off illnesses, and it improves your overall health.
Studies show that people who consume probiotics on a regular basis take less sick days off and have a 60% reduction in their annual reported illnesses. Many different sources of probiotics are available and becoming familiar with these sources offers an option for everyone who is looking to stay healthy year round.
Kefir is an excellent source of probiotics. Its texture is similar to yogurt, yet packed with much higher amounts of probiotics. As a traditional morning drink in India, it is known for its excellent taste and variety of flavors. Its unique bacterial culture makes it easier to digest than dairy, which is a plus for those who have difficulty tolerating lactose. Consuming just one tablespoonful per-day will provide you with more than enough probiotics for a healthy immune system.
Kimchi is considered one of the world’s top 5 healthiest foods. This tasty probiotic source is made from cabbage, garlic, salt, vinegar and other spices, and is fermented for about four months. The extensive fermentation of Kimchi allows the probiotics to grow naturally and multiply. Fermented vegetables also become pre-digested, which makes them more bio-available. There are over 180 variations of Kimchi.
Sauerkraut is the original probiotic food. It’s an age old super food that has a unique taste and is packed with high amounts of immune boosting probiotics. Sauerkraut is a fermented food made from fresh cabbage, which is already populated with probiotics. The way that sauerkraut is formed may not sound that appealing, however, allowing the cabbage to sit until it becomes “sour” creates the food that is known to us as sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is easier to digest than when in it is just cabbage and contains five times the amount of probiotics.
Miso is another fermented food that is packed with probiotics. While soy proves to be unhealthy for your body, fermented soy is remarkably healthy. Miso is generally made from fermented soy, brown rice or barley. It is eaten alone as a tasty dish or made into a wholesome soup. Many people enjoy miso and the many health benefits it offers such as; boosting the immune system and working as an antioxidant for the body.
Have you had any of these sources of probiotics recently? What’s your favorite?
– The Alternative Daily
