Why Should Vegans Try Probiotic Foods?

Taking care of personal health has never been more important. New year resolutions are full of promises of fitness, which is why there is no better time to switch to a healthier lifestyle. While sleeping well, staying hydrated and working out are good for our overall well-being, taking care of our gut is crucial for a stronger immunity.

Probiotics, also known as ‘good bacteria’ play a significant role in looking after our immune system and gut health, i.e. a balanced bacteria level in the body along with a smooth digestive system. One more little known fact about probiotics is its role in determining mental health. Probiotics assist in the production of serotonin, a neurochemical which acts as a mood stabilizer. Serotonin helps you feel good and optimistic, and 90% of this chemical is manufactured in the gut. This means that a good, nutritious diet equals a happier you.

While yoghurt is a widely taken source of probiotics, dairy is known to cause health issues like osteoporosis and bloating. Luckily, there are many plant-based fermented foods which are rich in probiotics and can especially help vegans get a balanced amount of good bacteria in their diets. These include kombucha tea, sauerkraut, kimchi, beet kvass, tepache and more. Some of these are commercially popular while some are traditional to specific regions of the world.

Staying Healthy The Organic Way: MAVI

Miraculous And Vital Indulgence, or MAVI is an organic health brand specialising in fermented foods. Based in Mumbai, MAVI offers a variety of flavours of fermented foods, to add taste and nutrition to your meals. They are famous for their kombucha drinks, but also offer a number of different products like water-fermented garlic, ginger ale, kimchi, and more!

Give some of these a try!

1. The Restorative Kombucha Tea

In the past few years, the word kombucha has gathered a lot of attention. It dates back over 2000 years to China, and became popular as an energy drink in the modern world. Kombucha Tea is a fizzy fermented beverage with a sweet and sour flavour. 

Not only is it refreshing, but also rich in probiotics, which is essential for a healthy gut. An immunity booster, kombucha can lower the risk of certain diseases like heart issues, while also facilitating weight loss. Made with black tea and real fruits and spices, it is available in a variety of flavours at MAVI.

Price: Rs. 160 (300ml)

BUY HERE

2. Sauerkraut - A German Superfood

Sauerkraut is made with long and slow fermented cabbage and used as a dressing or garnish on meals and snacks. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, even more than raw cabbage.

Sauerkraut is a popular side dish in Germany, and it is said that it helped soldiers survive the winter during World War II. It strengthens the immune system and can also manage your stress levels as well as your heart and bone health. Some studies have shown that Sauerkraut also reduces the risk of cancer. MAVI offers different flavours of Sauerkraut, so add some extra taste to your meals!

Price: Rs. 180 (200g)

BUY HERE

3. Spicy and Tangy Kimchi

An Asian special, Kimchi is a popular side dish in Korean food. It is made with vegetables like cabbage and radish fermented in brine to give them a sour flavour and strong aroma. Its taste is similar to Indian pickles and it is taken with meals for extra flavour with an added health benefit.

Kimchi is rich in vitamin K and thus maintains bone strength. Rich in antioxidants, it also improves digestion, lowers cholesterol, improves immune functions and reduces inflammation. With a variety of flavours at MAVI, you can make your food extra tangy and nutritious!

Price: Rs. 200 (200g)

BUY HERE

4. Beet Kvass - An Essential For Vegans

A Ukrainian speciality, beet kvass is a fermented drink made with beets. This deep red probiotic drink has a sweet and sour flavour and contains no sugar. Not only does it strengthen the immune system, it is also loaded with iron and folates. It is especially known to improve liver function.

You can have it with breakfast or as an evening beverage. Beet kvass is also rich in vitamin B12, something that is usually lacking from plant-based diets – so this drink is a winner for vegans!

Price: Rs. 160 (300ml)

BUY HERE

5. Classic Mexican Tepache

MAVI's classic Tepache is a Mexican specialty made from fermented pineapple rinds. It is rich in vitamin C and has a tangy and refreshing flavour. The drink is an energy booster and a must for gym-goers.

Tepache is great for gut health and reduces bloating and acidity. It also improves immunity and cardiovascular health. Another little known benefit of the drink is that it promotes healthy skin, nails and hair. Tepache can be had as a pre- or post-meal probiotic drink and can even be used to make bread!

Price: Rs. 160 (300ml)

BUY HERE

Where to find them?

MAVI is available in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, Pune, Hyderabad, Surat, Bhopal, Bangalore and Indor.