The Benefits to Fermented Foods

The benefits to fermented foods include better digestion and a stronger immune system. If you’re looking for an easy way to lose weight and improve your mood and your health, you can’t go wrong with fermented foods.

Naturally Fermented Foods

What Are Fermented Foods? According to the National Institutes of Health, naturally fermented foods are created during microbial growth. Enzymes in fermented foods break down the sugars. Fermentation is an age-old process of preserving food. It’s also a powerful way of introducing healthy bacteria into your gastrointestinal tract.

What Are Fermented Foods?

Beverages and foods that have undergone controlled microbial growth and fermentation are called fermented foods. 

Foods that are fermented have gone through an anaerobic process where yeast and bacteria have broken down the food’s components and allowed healthy microbes to grow. These fermented foods contain both probiotics (think Lactobacillus and other friendly bacteria) and prebiotics (microorganisms your healthy gut bacteria use as food with which to grow).

Past generations used fermentation as a safe way to preserve food and prolong its shelf life. It can also make otherwise inedible food, such as olives, delicious. 

The Benefits to Fermented Foods

You just naturally feel better when you include these foods in your diet. Here are some of the many health benefits of fermented foods.

easy-kimchi-recipe-for-home-150

1. Fermented Food and Gut Health Promotion

Eat fermented food for gut health. Because fermented food is loaded with good bacteria and healthy enzymes that can break down food, you’ll feel less bloated when you incorporate these foods into your diet. You’ll also lose weight.

For optimal health, you need a gut microbiome that’s balanced and healthy. One of the many benefits to fermented foods, is they increase the good bacteria in your system. Consuming these foods can help ease and even prevent these problems:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Diarrhea
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Infections

One of the best ways to introduce good bacteria into your gut is by drinking kombucha daily. You can buy it in the store, but it will have far more of the healthy bacteria and test better if you make your own kombucha.

2. Fermented Foods Are Loaded With Nutrients

Fermented foods are dense in nutrients. The nutritional value of vegetables increases when they’ve been fermented. Those microorganisms produce extra vitamins, including:

  • Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin C

The fermentation process also predigests these foods so that they’re easier to absorb. Fermentation also reduces carbohydrates so they are more digestible.

3. Fermented Foods Help You Lose Weight

The probiotics found in fermented foods can also help you lose weight. Inflammation can lead to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Probiotics can prevent those pro-inflammatory molecules from going into your bloodstream and wreaking havoc.

4. Fermented Foods Can Eliminate Brain Fog

The human gut is sometimes called the second brain because there is such a link between gastrointestinal health and the central nervous system. A diet loaded with sugar, the abuse of antibiotics, and constant stress can cause your gut to get out of balance.

When your intestinal system is out of whack, you can develop depression and an inability to think clearly. Including fermented foods daily can help alleviate these issues.

5. Fermented Foods Can Strengthen Your Immune System

If you’re worried about getting sick, build up your immune system by including plenty of fermented foods in your diet. The more unhealthy bacteria you have in your gut, the more vulnerable you are to illness. Conversely, having plenty of good bacteria helps you fight off the pathogens that cause disease.

Keep in Mind...

Variety is key when enjoying fermented foods. Settle on one type of fermented food for too long, and you limit your gut microbiome’s diversity. It’s important to rotate the fermented foods that you eat. Whether it’s kimchi, yogurt, kombucha, or sauerkraut, vary them to have a diverse gut microbiome.

You can ferment a wide variety of vegetables. It will make your dining experience more enjoyable and improve your health at the same time.

When You're Ready To Enjoy the Benefits to Fermented Foods

The benefits to fermented foods are well worth the effort of preparing them. While sourdough bread takes a little planning, you'll find it's easy to make sauerkraut. Try this kefir recipe and make your own kimchi. You'll find they're simple to prepare and delicious.

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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