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Today, I would like to talk about how fresh vegetables can give you the probiotics you need for a healthy stomach and mind. Seems, though, I have been talking about a lot of things today. Anyway … as we get older, it’s important to take care of ourselves and our digestive systems, and one way to do that is through probiotics.

Now, what are probiotics, you might ask? Well, they’re the good bacteria that live in our gut and help keep our digestive system working properly. They can be found naturally in some foods like yogurt and kefir, but did you know that fresh vegetables can also be a great source of probiotics?

That’s right! Vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles are all fermented foods that are rich in probiotics. Fermentation is a process where the natural bacteria in the food are allowed to grow and multiply, creating a natural source of probiotics.

Not only do probiotics help keep our gut healthy, but they can also have a positive effect on our mental health, especially as we age. Recent studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome can help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in older adults.

So, how can a person incorporate these probiotic-rich veggies into your diet? Well, it’s simple! You can try making your own fermented veggies at home, or you can purchase them from a local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Here’s a simple recipe for making your own sauerkraut that my wife and I have used for years.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1-2 tablespoon of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add the sea salt and caraway seeds (if using) and mix well.
3. Pack the cabbage tightly into a jar or crock, making sure there is no airspace.
4. Cover the jar with a lid or cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 3–7 days, depending on how sour you like your sauerkraut.
5. Once it’s ready, store the sauerkraut in the fridge and enjoy!
6. I will see if I can do up a more detailed way of making it another day.

So there l have it, folks! Fresh vegetables can be a great source of probiotics, and they can help keep our stomach and mind healthy as we age. So the next time you’re at the farmer’s market, be sure to pick up some sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles to add to your diet. Or better yet grow and make your own!!