Yoghurt! This is what comes to mind to most people when you talk about probiotics. But it’s not the only source of probiotics. In fact, there are many plant-derived alternatives that you can have at home.

Probiotics are active microorganisms or good bacteria that live in different fermented foods. When consumed daily and in fair amounts, they can promote health.

Here are other benefits you can get from consuming probiotics:

• Improves digestion
• Controls the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
• Lessens the risk of colorectal cancer and IBD or Irritable Bowel Disease
• Manages several metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and even liver disease
• Treats gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea
• Reduces the side effects of antibiotics
• Boosts the immune system’s capacity to fight against several pathogens
• Improves mental health
• Easing anxiety and depression

If you’re thinking of taking a probiotic supplement, search for a product that includes more than 6 strains of live bacteria with at least 20 billion microorganisms per dose.

Almond milk, coconut and soy-based yoghurts containing probiotics are now more accessible in the marketplace. Getting ready-made foods that have probiotics suits a busy lifestyle, but getting them fresh is not very time-consuming. It’s surely worth your time. Fresh probiotic-rich foods carry more beneficial bacteria giving you better results sooner.

Many countries around the world have been eating fermented foods to enhance their health for centuries and the majority of these foods are plant-based. (You’re probably thinking of Korea right now huh?)

And you got it right! Kimchi is one of the most popular fermented food in Korea which is a good source of probiotics as well. But if you’re not into Kimchi, then you can have pickled veggies then.

Whatever you prefer, yoghurt, milk-based or fermented foods, try your best to add in probiotics to your diet.