The idea that you have live microorganisms called “probiotics” living in your stomach and intestines might sound a little creepy at first, until you understand that these organisms have the potential to significantly improve your digestion of food and, in doing so, improve your overall health and happiness.
In case you’ve never read up on probiotics, which have become all the rage in food science the past few years, know that they can have many positive effects on the body. In addition to helping with digestion, they may be able to reduce the chances of developing heart disease, improve the look and feel of skin, and may even assist in the fight against depression. That’s all great, but what foods must you eat in order to reap the benefits of probiotics?
1. Pickles
Nothing makes a sandwich like a pickle, either right on top or off to the side. Sweet or salty, the pickle is ridiculously popular in many parts of the world. And for good reason: aside from being delicious, they’re easy to make, consisting of cucumbers that have been preserved using a mixture of water and sodium and then left to ferment.
This fermentation process results in the development of lactic acid bacteria, which brings pickles their sour flavor but also aids in the activity of probiotics in the gut. Pickles are also an excellent source of vitamin K, which can help in blood clotting. However, pickles are also high in salt and, in some cases, sugar, so be sure to consume them in some moderation.
