It's Alive -- Probiotics

Chances are, you've heard the word "probiotic" a lot, and the person explaining it has been urging you to eat yogurt. Probiotic is a term that refers to dietary supplements or foods ("living foods") that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria similar to those normally found in your body. There is encouraging research that these bacteria are said to keep your digestive system running smoothly and help your body fight off illness.

Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, as long as it contains live, active cultures (it will have a mention on the packaging if it does). All fermented foods -- like sauerkraut, pickles, vinegars or sourdough bread -- provide the same health benefits, provided they're made with natural ingredients with minimal processing. There are some fermented foods that you may not be familiar with, though, and in some cases, they're even better for you than the almighty yogurt.

Miso
If you've ever eaten in a Japanese restaurant, you've probably tasted miso soup. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and barley or rice malt. It's usually used in the aforementioned miso soup, and in many Japanese sauces and glazes. It's loaded with nutrients, and studies have shown that it can help prevent some cancers. It's available at Asian markets, health food markets, and some supermarkets.

To sample it at home, try this recipe for Broiled Salmon with Miso Glaze.

Kefir
Kefir is similar to yogurt in that it's made from milk. More liquid than yogurt, it has a sour, carbonated, slightly alcoholic taste. Some people who are lactose intolerant can drink kefir with no problem, plus it has antioxidant properties, high folic-acid content, and helps to lower cholesterol. It's definitely an acquired taste, though, so you'll probably have to get used to it if you're interested in its health benefits.

Kimchi
Kimchi is a classic Korean side dish, served with almost every meal. It's so common, in fact, that before the first Korean went into space, government research institutes went to work developing "space kimchi," so that no Korean would have to travel the galaxy without his beloved dish. It's usually made by pickling cabbage, radish and cucumber with chili, garlic, scallion and ginger.

To sample it at home, try this recipe for "Quick" Kimchi.

Kombucha
Kombucha is also an acquired taste. It's a fermented black tea that tastes fizzy, vinegary and vaguely alcoholic. In addition to the benefits based on the probiotic properties of the drink, kombucha is also said to help with acid reflux and to give you more energy.

Tempeh
Like miso, tempeh is a fermented soy product. While there is some controversy around soy overall, most experts agree that it has proven health benefits. In addition to its probiotic properties, tempeh has been known to help stabilize blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol, and alleviate menopausal symptoms.

To try it at home, serve up this Smothered Tempeh Sandwich.