Buttermilk – Traditional Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are called “the good” microorganisms since they benefit the digestive system. Probiotics help keep us healthy by diminishing the number of “bad” bacteria in our gut, supplanting the body’s “good” bacteria, and re-establishing the body’s “good” versus “bad” bacterial balance. The body does not require the addition of food and supplements that contain probiotics to be healthy. However, food and supplements that contain probiotics help the activity of the "good" bacteria already present in our gut. The balance of bacteria in the gut is important for immune health, hormone balance and many other aspects of health. A large number of foods that are often consumed these days are high in sugar, processed grains, vegetable oils and foods that often let the “bad” bacteria grow more than they should.

Including probiotic-rich foods and drinks to the diet is a simple method to provide gut bacteria a boost and to keep the digestive system in proper balance. Here are some probiotic foods from milk products that are super healthy.

Buttermilk actually refers to a variety of fermented dairy drinks. However, there are two principal types of buttermilk: traditional and cultured. Traditional buttermilk is just the leftover from making butter. Only this version contains probiotics, and it is sometimes called “grandma's probiotic.” Traditional buttermilk is for the most part expended in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Cultured buttermilk, commonly found in American supermarkets, usually does not have any probiotic benefits. Buttermilk is low in fat and calories but contains many vital vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus.

The suggestion to add probiotic rich fermented foods to diet was one of the best pieces of health advice you’ve ever gotten. I HIGHLY recommend it!