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When it comes to weight loss, probiotics can actually be a real lifesaver. For those who don't know, probiotics are healthy bacteria found in certain foods and supplements that can help with digestion and gut health. So what makes them good for weight loss? According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, consuming probiotics can actually lower your BMI. On board yet? If so, check out the four best probiotics doctos swear by for weight loss.
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Many studies have been conducted on probiotics and weight loss, and yogurts full of probiotics have been the main culprit behind this. According to Rania Batayneh, M.P.H., eating low-fat yogurt can help you shed pounds, but probiotic yogurt can work even more wonders. A study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition compared the effects of regular yogurt, low-calorie yogurt, and probiotic yogurt, all combined with a low-calorie diet, on overweight women. At the end of the eight week trial, researchers found that the probiotic yogurt test subjects had a lower BMI than the other subjects. That's your cue to grab a spoon and peel back the lid on a delicious probiotic-packed yogurt!
Add another benefit of kombucha to the list—it's also a probiotic! According to Wendy Bazilian, RD, kombucha is packed with probiotics that can help your immune system and improve digestion. This drink makes the perfect alternative to sugary sodas if you're trying to lose weight, but be wary of drinking too much.
Believe it or not, miso is actually full of probiotics. A study from the Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine at Hiroshima University in Japan found that miso has vital nutrients, and was even linked to supressing tumors in rats. Miso soup only has about 25 calories per bowl, so give your favorite Japanese retsuarant a ring and order some takeout.
According to Eat This, Not That!, there's more to sauerkraut than just being a hot dog topping. This fermented cabbage has even more of the probiotic Lactobacillus bacteria than yogurt, which helps with your immune system. It's also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber. But, we recommend ditching the hot dog if you're trying to lose weight with sauerkraut.
