If you adhere to a plant-based lifestyle, you may be wondering if probiotics are vegan. The answer is… it depends. Not all are vegan, but there are a number of them that are. In this article, we will discuss the different types of probiotics and whether or not they are vegan. Interested? Read on for more!
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer a range of health benefits when consumed. These beneficial bacteria can help to improve digestive health, boost immunity, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. They are commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. However, they can also be taken in supplement form.
When choosing a top vegan supplement, it is important to look for one that contains a variety of different strains of bacteria. This will ensure that you are getting the most benefit from the probiotic. Probiotics are a safe and effective way to improve your overall health.
Are all probiotics vegan?
Many people associate veganism with a diet that is free of animal products, but the vegan lifestyle extends far beyond what we eat. For instance, many vegans also choose not to use animal tested product or products containing animal-derived ingredients. Vegans commonly avoid fur or leather, and do not eat honey from bees. And of course, vegans definitely don’t drink cow’s milk. What is vegan or not so far is quite simple to define. However, when it comes to probiotics, it’s more complicated.
For example, a common method to produce probiotics relies on fermenting cow’s milk. The dairy is the source of nutrition required to grow the probiotic culture. Therefore, the resulting probiotic supplement contains traces of animal products. It is only trace levels in the finished supplement, but the main concern for a vegan is that of course it required animal-derived ingredients to make it. Biokult is a great example of this. It’s a very good probiotic, but unfortunately relies on dairy to grow the probiotic bacteria.
So, this can make finding vegan-friendly probiotics a bit of a challenge, as some brands use milk or eggs in the fermentation process as the source of nutrition. However, there are a number of brands that produce Probiotics that are vegan. These products typically use plant-based ingredients such as fermentation cultures, yeast, and soya bean extract. While vegan probiotics may be slightly more difficult to find, there are a number of high-quality options available on the market.
Ten probiotics products which are vegan friendly
Though you might not realize it, probiotics are an essential part of a balanced diet. Unfortunately, not all are vegan-friendly. Some contain gelatin from animal collagen, while others may use milk or honey as a base. However, there are a number of vegan-friendly probiotics on the market that use plant-based ingredients like agar or tapioca starch. To find the right vegan probiotics, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully and choose a product that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Here’s a list of some great probiotics you can try which are guaranteed to be vegan friendly:
- Solgar Acidophilus Probiotics
- Symprove Probiotics range
- HeyNutrition Probiotics
- Potion London Multibiotics
- Nutravita Biocultures Complex
- Inessa Advanced Daily Biotic
- Hello Day Bioharmony Capsules
- Feel Beauty Probiotics
- Swiss Bioenergetics Bioculture Defence
- The Nue Co Prebiotic & Probiotic
Should vegans take probiotics?
There are a few compelling reasons why vegans might want to consider taking them. First, vegan diets tend to be high in fiber, which can promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can help to balance the gut microbiota and reduce the risk of digestive issues. Additionally, vegan diets can sometimes lack certain vitamins and minerals that are important for gut health, such as vitamin B12. Taking a supplement can help to ensure vegans are getting the nutrients they need for gut health.
Benefits of taking probiotics
Probiotics are one of the best things you can take for your overall health. Some of the benefits of probiotics are as follows:
1. Vegan Probiotics are good for your gut health
The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This can help to improve digestive health, boost immunity, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2. They can help improve digestion
If you suffer from digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, taking a probiotic may be helpful. Probiotics can help to increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and reduce symptoms.
3. Probiotics can help boost your immune system
Probiotics can help to improve gut health, which in turn can boost immunity. This can help to protect you from getting sick and may even help to reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
4. They can help reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a root cause of a number of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, which can promote overall health and well-being.
5. Vegan Probiotics can improve mental health
There is a growing body of evidence showing a link between gut health and mental health. Probiotics can help to improve gut health, which may, in turn, improve mental health. They can also reduce symptoms of anxiety, and may even help to improve cognitive function.
Vegan foods that contain probiotics
Just like omnivores, vegans need to make sure they are getting enough probiotics—the “good” bacteria that help keep our gut healthy. Some vegan staples like miso, tempeh, and sauerkraut contain high-levels of them. Many types of nondairy yogurt are made with live cultures, and kimchi—a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage—is also a good source. In addition, some brands of plant-based milk are fortified with probiotics.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that is rich in probiotics. It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and iron. Sauerkraut is easy to find in most supermarkets, but you can also make your own at home.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage. It’s usually made with other vegetables as well, such as radishes, carrots, and onions. Kimchi is a good source of probiotics, as well as vitamins A, B, and C. You can find kimchi in most Asian markets or online.
Nondairy Yogurt
Many brands of non-dairy yogurt are rich in probiotics. Nondairy yogurt is usually made from soy, almond, or coconut milk. It’s a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. You can find non-dairy yogurt in most supermarkets or health food stores.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a type of fermented tea that’s rich in probiotics. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and can help to boost energy levels.
Water kefir
Water kefir is a type of fermented beverage that’s rich in probiotics. It’s made with water, sugar, and live cultures. Make sure to avoid milk kefir, as this is made with dairy.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a type of fermented soybean that’s rich in probiotics. It’s also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B12 and B. You can find tempeh in most health food stores or online.
Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread is a type of bread that’s made with fermented dough. It’s a good source of probiotics, as well as fiber and vitamin B.
Miso
Miso is a type of fermented soybean paste that’s rich in probiotics. It’s also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B12 and B.
How to choose the best vegan probiotics
When choosing a vegan probiotic supplement, it’s important to look for one containing a variety of different strains of bacteria. It’s also important to choose a supplement for vegans. Let’s take a look at all the factors you should consider when looking at a probiotic:
Look at the ingredients – Make sure the supplement you choose is made with vegan ingredients.
Multistrain and multispecies – Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. A multistrain supplement will contain a variety of different strains of bacteria, and thus will be more effective.
Probiotics that match your needs – Probiotics are good for your gut health, but they can also help to improve digestion, boost your immune system, and reduce inflammation. Choose a supplement that contains strains of bacteria that match your specific needs.
The right dosage – The recommended dose of probiotics varies depending on the type and strain of bacteria. It’s important to take the recommended dose in order to get the most benefit from probiotics.
A high-quality supplement – A probiotic that has high-quality demonstrated through clinical studies is more likely to be effective.
Method of delivery – You can have a choice between capsules, gummies, powder, and more.
Refrigeration – Some supplements may need to get in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place.
The best vegan probiotics
They are a fantastic way to improve your gut health. While not all probiotics are vegan, finding the ones that are can be very beneficial and help you a lot. When choosing a vegan probiotic supplement, be sure to look for one that has many strains of bacteria as well as being high quality. Let us know your favourite probiotics!