The Best Probiotic Without Taking Acidophilous or Eating Yogurt

Probiotics are that contain live bacteria. They may provide benefits for your digestive system, such as lowering your risk for certain kinds of infections or relieving diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Yogurt and dietary supplements with Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures are common sources, but you can get probiotics by eating other kinds of food.

Soy Yogurt

Soy yogurt can be the best probiotic to take if you like eating yogurt, but need to avoid it because you have lactose intolerance or are following a vegan diet. Soy yogurt is a good source of calcium, according to the University of Michigan. For a flavorful source of probiotics without getting too many calories or added sugar, choose plain soy yogurt. If it needs more flavor, try adding fresh fruit or cinnamon.

Kefir

Kefir may be the best source of probiotics if you like to drink milk, but you want the benefits of yogurt. Kefir is fermented or cultured milk with a creamy texture, and you can have it plain or sweetened, according to the University of Georgia. Kefir supports bone health because of its calcium, and it provides protein, according to the University of Michigan. Choose low-fat or fat-free kefir products because they are lower in calories and saturated fat.

Miso

Miso not only provides probiotics, but also dietary fiber, which is a prebiotic because it supports the growth of probiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic. Miso provides calcium, a mineral which is essential for a healthy blood pressure, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Be careful of miso soup and miso products prepared with soy sauce because they are high in sodium, which causes high blood pressure.

Tempeh

Tempeh contains probiotics, and this rich product is a fermented mixture of whole soybeans and rice or millet, according to the University of Michigan. Each cup has 320 calories, 31 g protein, 16 g carbohydrate and 18 g total fat, with less than 4 g cholesterol-raising saturated fats. The protein from soy is complete, or high-quality, which means that it provides each of the amino acids which you need to get from your diet.

References

Article reviewed by Hilary Cable Last updated on: Jun 30, 2011

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