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Fermented foods have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. But what exactly are fermented foods, and why are they so good for you? In this article, we’ll explore the world of fermented foods, examine the science behind their health claims, and provide a guide to incorporating more fermented foods into your diet.
What Are Fermented Foods?
Fermentation is the process of using beneficial microorganisms like bacteria or yeast to convert sugars into alcohol, acids, and gases. This process preserves and enhances the natural nutrients found in foods. Some common examples of fermented foods include:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Pickles
- Wine, beer, cider, mead
- Cheese
- Sourdough bread.
Many traditional cultures around the world have been eating fermented foods for centuries. However, the Western diet has moved away from this traditional way of preparing foods. The use of refrigeration and other food preservation techniques has decreased the need for fermentation. But research is now confirming that these fermented foods provide health benefits that modern diets are lacking.
The Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
Eating fermented foods on a regular basis provides the following science-backed benefits:
Enhanced Nutrition
The fermentation process actually enhances the existing nutrition found in foods. As the bacteria, yeasts, and molds modify the food, they create new micronutrients. For example, sauerkraut has more bioavailable vitamins C, B, and K than regular cabbage. The fermentation process also breaks down antinutrients found in foods, making the nutrients even easier for the body to absorb.
More Diverse Gut Microbiome
Eating fermented foods introduces more probiotic bacteria into your digestive system. These beneficial microbes help diversify the populations within your gut microbiome, keeping it balanced. A healthy, diverse microbiome improves immunity, digestion, and overall health. The good bacteria can also help crowd out any opportunistic “bad bacteria” that could cause infection or illness.
Detoxification
Fermented foods are powerful detoxifiers, capable of binding and eliminating toxins from your body. The probiotics help strengthen the gut lining, preventing toxins, allergens, and pathogens from leaking into the bloodstream. The good bacteria also neutralize harmful compounds like nitrates, pesticides, and heavy metals, transforming them into safer substances that can then pass harmlessly out of the body.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Several studies have found that eating yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and other fermented foods helps improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, especially in diabetics. The healthy bacteria have an anti-diabetic effect. Fermented foods also slow the absorption of sugars from a meal into the bloodstream, preventing unhealthy blood sugar spikes.
Mental Health Benefits
The gut and the brain are intimately connected. An imbalance in your gut microbiome—which fermented foods help correct—can result in inflammation that is linked to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Eating fermented foods helps nourish a healthy gut microbiome, which research shows can improve mood and cognitive function.
Weight Loss
While research is still limited, some studies suggest that consuming fermented foods like yogurt and kefir may support weight loss. The healthy bacteria promote satiety and help regulate appetite-influencing hormones. Fermented foods have also been shown to help break down fats during digestion.
Lower Cholesterol
Studies link eating fermented dairy products to improvements in cholesterol levels. Consuming just even a small amount of yogurt, kefir, or aged cheese daily can help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol while raising HDL “good” cholesterol. The probiotics are thought to benefit heart health by removing cholesterol and helping regulate blood pressure.
Strengthened Immune System
The live microorganisms found in fermented food boost immunity in several ways. They crowd out dangerous pathogens that could cause illness. The good bacteria also enhance the gut barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Certain probiotics also have anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Overall, a healthy gut microbiome supports a strong immune system.
Tips for Adding More Fermented Foods
Given all these science-backed benefits, it’s a good idea to add more fermented foods into your regular diet. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Try mixing up your yogurt choices by exploring different varieties like Greek, Australian, or skyr which has more protein. You can also opt for dairy-free yogurt options made from coconut or almond milk.
- Sauerkraut makes a tangy topping for sausages, sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls. Or simply eat it as a side dish. Be sure to choose unpasteurized sauerkraut to get the probiotic benefits.
- Drink kombucha as an effervescent alternative to soda or juice. There are endless unique flavor combinations to try beyond the basic original flavor.
- Add kimchi, a spicy Korean fermented cabbage, to scrambled eggs, noodle dishes, soups, or sandwiches for a flavor kick.
- Smoothen out the tangy taste of kefir by blending it into a breakfast smoothie with fruit and greens.
- Swap out regular bread, buns, tortillas or pizza dough for versions made with fermented sourdough starter.
- Upgrade usual cheese snacks and spreads by opting for aged, fermenteds varieties like gouda, blue cheese, Parmesan, or cheddar.
- For pickles, shop the refrigerated section for raw, unpasteurized versions with live cultures compared to vinegar-brined picks.
- Try your hand at creating homemade fermented food like sauerkraut, kefir, or kimchi. It’s surprisingly easy to do.
The key is to add a variety of fermented food into your regular rotation, instead of just eating them occasionally. Aim for incorporating a serving with at least one meal daily. Your gut and overall health will thank you!
For more information on fermenteds food, check out the great articles on the Whole Food Earth website.