Probiotics are microorganisms that contain powerful attributes to prevent indigestion. These are necessary for a natural and healthy life. It aids in the digestion of food and keeps the skin healthy. These are naturally synthesized by the body. Probiotics are naturally present in the intestine in large numbers. There are several Indian foods in which probiotics are naturally present.
Why do we need probiotics?
Probiotics are essential to maintain the overall system of the body. It makes the immune system stronger to fight diseases. It is required for the better digestion of food to prevent constipation. It acts as a natural treatment for yeast infection diseases. It also helps with weight loss and healthy immune system.
If you are allergic to certain types of food then it plays a vital role in dealing with them. So how should we take probiotics? Well, there are some Indian foods that naturally contain probiotics. If you are including these in your regular diet then you don’t need supplements.
Here’s the list of the best 12 probiotic foods in India:
1. Pickle
This tops the list of probiotic foods in India because pickles can be found in every Indian meal. All the salt, spices, oil and the introduction of sun rays to make it, induce the good bacterias in it. So, it is the best source of probiotics.
2. Kanji
You don’t need to go after the supplement drinks provided in the markets. Indian drink Kanji has a good amount of probiotics in it. It is generally prepared by adding crushed mustard seeds, salts, and some spices to the water. It is left in direct sunlight for-6 days to ferment.
3. Yoghurt / Curd / Dahi
One of the widely used and affordable probiotic food in India is Yoghurt/ Curd/ Dahi. It is super rich in probiotics. You can add some fruits or vegetables to the curd to make it more healthy and tasty. (Read more to know the endless benefits of curd on skin, hair, face and many more)
4. Idli and Dosa
The batter used to make Idli or Dosa contains a decent quantity of good microorganisms. These are low in calories so can be a good choice for breakfast.
5. Cheese and Paneer
Dairy products are a good source of probiotics and cheese and panner are among those. They have some health advantages also.
6. Dark chocolate
Next on the list of probiotic foods in India is Dark Chocolate. They contain a high amount of probiotics. It lifts up the mood also. Daily consumption of dark chocolate can meet your requirement for probiotics.
7. Micro-algae
Microalgae is a superfood that keeps the digestion system healthy. This probiotic increases the good bacteria that help in better digestion.
8. Green peas
Green peas contain a potent probiotic that helps in easy digestion. It has some other health benefits as well.
9. Sauerkraut
It is a cabbage fermented using various lactic acid bacteria. Commonly known as sour cabbage, it acts as a probiotic. It is rich in Vitamin A, B, E, C. It also benefits the heart.
10. Buttermilk
The buttermilk made in the traditional style contains probiotic benefits. It is the best drink in summer with a number of other health benefits.
11. Soy Milk
Soy Milk is a highly nutritious drink full of probiotics. It is made after pressing soybeans. So it is one of the best probiotic foods in India.
12. Olives
We all eat olives by adding in pasta, pizza or salad. It is also best when added to the solution of brine. So, olive is good probiotic food in India.
Benefits of Probiotics on your health
1. Improves digestion – It produces good bacteria in the stomach which aids in the digestive system.
2. Prevent and treat diarrhoea – Probiotics can reduce and prevent Diarrhoea.
3. Improves mental health conditions – Probiotic foods in India reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
4. Probiotics may keep your heart healthy – It lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure. It helps in digestion and keeps the heart-healthy.
5. Probiotics boost the immune system – It decreases the production of harmful bacteria and boosts the immunity system.
6. Probiotics help you reduce belly fat – Probiotics help you in reducing the fat by a number of different mechanisms.
Diseases that can be easily treated by probiotics
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- High cholesterol
- Hepatic diseases
- May prevent cancer
- IBS
Side effects of probiotics
Overconsumption of probiotic foods in India may cause some type of discomfort. So, always consume within permissible levels. If not, some of the possible side effects can be shown as:
1. May develop some infections
There are low chances but in a few cases, it can lead to some serious infection.
2. Headaches
Excess amounts of probiotics in the body may trigger head pain.
3. Indigestion
Probiotics help in digestion but in rare cases, they may lead to gas and bloating in the body.
4. May result in adverse reactions
There are some people who may be intolerant or allergic to some probiotics. So, you should avoid its consumption.