THERE’S a reason why so many women are scooping up Greek yoghurt from the supermarket shelves, and it’s not for the taste of it. Rather, it’s for the probiotics component, as well as its ability to help with maintaining a balanced diet for weight loss purposes.

Probiotics can have several benefits for women’s health, says nutritionist and dietician Claudhia Ashley. “They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which can positively impact various aspects of health,” she said.

She said some potential benefits include improved digestion, reduced risk of urinary tract infections, and enhanced immune function.

“Additionally, probiotics may help regulate vaginal health by preventing or treating conditions like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. However, it’s essential to consult with a health-care professional before starting any probiotic regimen to ensure it aligns with individual health needs.”

Wondering what foods are chock full of the good stuff?

Ashley said foods rich in probiotics include:

Yoghurt

Contains live and active cultures of beneficial bacteria.

Kefir

A fermented milk drink that provides various probiotic strains.

Sauerkraut

Fermented cabbage rich in probiotics.

Kimchi

A Korean fermented vegetable dish with probiotic benefits.

Tempeh

A fermented soy product that offers probiotics and protein.

Miso

A traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soy beans.

Pickles (fermented in brine, not vinegar)

Provide probiotics and crunchy goodness.

Buttermilk

A fermented dairy product with probiotic bacteria.

Fermented cheeses

Some cheeses, like Gouda and cheddar, contain probiotic strains.

“Don’t be intimidated, all of these foods are available in supermarkets, in either the health food aisle or the Asian section, and are quite affordable,” Ashley said.