Fermented foods: What’s the big deal?
Fermentation goes back thousands of years, to the very early beginnings of humanity. This food processing method was first discovered by our ancestors as a means of preserving food. Some of our most basic staples come from fermentation, such as bread, cheese, chocolate, coffee, wine, and beer. Our understanding of fermented foods, however, has largely fallen by the wayside, as folks don’t need to preserve their own foods anymore (and quite frankly, most don’t know how!)
So, what is fermentation?
Simply put, this healthline article states, “fermentation is a natural process through which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert carbs — such as starch and sugar — into alcohol or acids.” In these processes, the alcohols and acids act as a preserving agent.
Some examples of fermented foods are sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha, or kefir. If those foods are unfamiliar to you, think of a stinky aged cheese or the sour taste in sourdough bread. The process gives food a distinct sour and tart flavor. A reason these foods aren’t as popular today, according to Dr. Frank Lipman, is that this flavor profile is an underdeveloped taste to the western palate, where most of our foods are hyper-palatable and sweet. These live, cultured foods are an acquired taste, but you don’t need a heaping serving to get a benefit. Many fermented foods can simply serve as a condiment, yet are a nutrition powerhouse.
Bottom line: fermented foods are rich in probiotics, and incorporating fermented foods into your diet is a great way to colonize your microbiome. Restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut will improve digestive health, boost your immune system, and because of the gut-brain axis, a healthy gut plays a big role in mental health and mood. Check out my leaky gut article to learn more about your gut, and to learn why it’s at the cornerstone of all health.
Want to start fermenting veggies at home? Check out this helpful tutorial…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u80eGi6pTso
Or for a very comprehensive guide and recipe book, check out Wild Fermentation. https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Fermentation-Flavor-Nutrition-Live-Culture-ebook/dp/B01KYI04CG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=wild+fermentation&qid=1588257558&sr=8-2
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5634/12-Ways-Fermented-Foods-Heal-Your-Body-Mind.html
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/best-fermented-foods-list
