The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine reports that probiotics are live micro-organisms that provide healthful benefits when ingested. These probiotics are similar to the organisms that are found in a person’s stomach, ones that help with the digestion process. Most food products with natural probiotics (that is, foods that produce their own probiotic organisms) have to be fermented, even if only partially. There are several different foods on the market that supply probiotics naturally.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a product used by many vegetarians that is made from fermented soybeans. The fermentation process is done with whole soybeans. As the soybeans ferment, a mold develops which bind the soybeans together. This mold contains a bacterium that is considered beneficial. Many vegetarians use tempeh as a protein source in their diet. As well as being a very high quality protein, it also provides a good source of vitamin B12. Tempeh can be cooked in a number of ways, and usually takes on the flavor of the food that it is being cooked with.
Fermented Cabbage
Sauerkraut (fermented or pickled cabbage) contains probiotics. The cabbage is sliced and put into a brine to ferment for a period of time, during which probiotics are created. Another type of fermented cabbage is kim chi, a Korean delicacy often used as a side dish in Korean meals. Again, the cabbage is cut and allowed to ferment in brine. However, kim chi has added spices that make it very hot tasting; it also has an absolutely unforgettable smell and is not for those with a weak stomach.
Milk Products
Many milk products contain probiotics. Yogurts usually contain probiotics, and some even advertise the fact that they contain probiotics. Buttermilk also contains large amounts of beneficial bacteria. In fact, according to the website CompleteWellBeing.com, the bacteria in buttermilk can survive the acid in the stomach and become active in the intestinal tract. Some people like drinking buttermilk to drinking soured milk. Hiding the mixture in smoothies or milk shakes is one way to mask the flavor and still get the health benefit from these foods.
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