What are Vegan Probiotics? Are They More Effective Than Dairy Products?
The rising demand for plant-based vegan diets has also catapulted the market demand for vegan probiotics such as non-dairy probiotic capsules, tablets, and powders. Here, we will discuss vegan probiotics and also explore the reasons they are more effective than dairy products.
Probiotics - A Brief Overview.
Probiotics have been gaining popularity over the last few years as people become more interested in their health and wellness. Probiotics are live microorganisms, also known as good bacteria, that are beneficial for human health. When consumed in adequate amounts, it can provide immense health benefits.
Probiotics work by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics-associated diarrhea, poor diet, and stress. They have been shown to provide a range of health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and reducing internal inflammation of the stomach.They are present in various dairy foods and drinks that are fermented. For instance, yogurt, kefir, and kombucha are some examples of fermented dairy diets that have adequate amounts of probiotics in them. However, the rise in the demand for non-dairy products has paved the way for vegan probiotics as well.What are Vegan Probiotics?
Vegan probiotics are entirely plant-based and do not contain any animal products or byproducts. They provide similar health benefits to dairy-based probiotics and have additional advantages too.
Various plant-based probiotic diets are consumed by people all over the planet for their obvious benefits, and vegan probiotics are also available in various forms of supplements like non-dairy probiotic capsules, tablets, and powders.Sources of Vegan Probiotics
Some of the most common sources of vegan probiotics include:
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Probiotic Supplements
Vegan probiotic supplements are available in various forms, such as non-dairy probiotic capsules and powders containing specific strains of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in adequate quantities.
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Fermented Vegetables
Natural sauerkraut or finely cut raw cabbage, kimchi or salted and fermented napa cabbage and radish, and pickles are examples of fermented vegetables that are rich in probiotics.
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Fermented Soy Products
Japanese seasoned soy paste known as Miso, Indonesian fermented soybean tempeh, and natto (traditional Japanese fermented soybean recipe) are examples of soy products containing probiotics.
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Fermented Grains
Naturally leavened and fermented Sourdough bread, fermented and sweetened black tea kombucha, and alcoholic beverage beer are examples of foods and drinks made from fermented grains that can provide beneficial bacteria.
Why Are Vegan Probiotics More Effective Than Their Dairy Counterparts?
Both dairy and vegan probiotics can provide health benefits, and the effectiveness of each may depend on various factors, such as the specific strains of probiotics or the beneficial bacteria and the individual's gut health.
Though both dairy and non-dairy probiotics offer similar benefits, there are a few areas where vegan or plant-based non-dairy probiotics can score over their dairy counterparts. However, there are some advantages to choosing vegan probiotics over dairy-based probiotics.Here are some of the main reasons why vegan probiotics could prove to be more effective.-
Vegan is More Gut-friendly than Dairy
Many probiotic foods contain dairy or animal milk components. Yet, it is also true that dairy irritates the gut and is a common cause of stomach upset in people. This is because the main fat component or carbohydrate in milk is lactose, a form of glucose or natural sugar.
Most people struggle to digest lactose, while many also are chronic lactose intolerant, while some are allergic to lactose as well. Lactose intolerance is the main reason for irritability in the bowel in more than half of the patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Lactose can also cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other stomach discomforts.For people with dietary restrictions or intolerances, plant-based vegan probiotics provide an alternative source of probiotics.-
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Some research suggests that vegan probiotics may have benefits beyond just providing beneficial bacteria.
For example, fermented soy products, such as tempeh and miso, contain certain chemical compounds called isoflavones that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These are naturally beneficial for the health and well-being of the gut microbiome in the body.Non-dairy Probiotic Capsules & Vegan Probiotic Supplements
When choosing a vegan probiotic supplement or food, it's important to look for high-quality products that have been proven effective through research. Look for supplements that contain specific strains of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while shopping for a vegan gut health supplement or a non-dairy probiotic capsule.
Further, try to avoid products that contain artificial ingredients or additives. Since artificial additives may contaminate the natural composition of plant-based products.
Wrap UpVegan probiotics are a plant-based alternative to dairy-based probiotics that can provide similar health benefits. There are various advantages to choosing vegan probiotics for individuals with dietary restrictions or intolerances.
Research-backed scientifically made non-dairy probiotic capsules and vegan supplements such as tablets and powders are effective ways to take care of microbiome health and gut wellness. It's important to choose a high-quality vegan probiotic supplement or food to ensure that you're getting the right strains and amounts of beneficial bacteria for optimal health.