Why You Should Be Eating Fermented Foods

Source : about.com health

Fermented foods have long been a staple in many traditional diets, but are now enjoying an increase in popularity.  Why?  Because eating fermented foods could be a wonderful way to naturally enhance the health of your digestive and immune systems.  Fermented foods are filled with probiotics, and there is a growing awareness of the benefits of these "friendly" bacteria in maintaining optimal health. They may sound too exotic for you, but don't be put off. Here you will learn more about fermented foods and why they should become a regular part of your diet.

What Are Fermented Foods?

Fermented foods are foods that have been prepared in a way so that the bacteria naturally found within them starts to ferment.

Fermentation, also known as lacto-fermentation, is a chemical process in which bacteria and other micro-organisms break down starches and sugars within the foods, possibly making them easier to digest, and resulting in a product that is filled with helpful organisms and enzymes. This process of fermentation is a natural preservative, which means that fermented foods can last a long time.

Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, because they are filled with healthy probiotics and enzymes, are thought to:

• Enhance digestion
• Balance the gut flora
• Help to fight off disease-producing microorganisms
• Produce nutrients
• Boost the immune system

There are several advantages of consuming fermented foods, as opposed to taking a probiotic supplement:

• You are getting probiotics in a natural way.
• You are guaranteed to get live strains.
• You are getting more strains than those isolated in a laboratory.
• You are getting a variety of strains, thus improving the likelihood that you are giving your system what it needs.
• Fermented foods are significantly more affordable than many probiotic formulations.

Fermented Foods for Digestive Symptoms

If you have have chronic digestive problems, including IBS, some people believe that fermented foods may be a great dietary option: they enhance the digestive process and have a positive effect on the gut flora, thus reducing problematic digestive symptoms. In addition, because the sugars in the fermented vegetables or milk products are already fermented, consuming these products may result in less gas and bloating.
If you are following a low FODMAPs diet, you may find that you can tolerate some fermented foods, as the fermenting process gets rid of the problematic FODMAP elements.
Lastly, it has been theorized that eating fermented foods may reduce the risk of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition that results in IBS symptoms.

How Are Foods Fermented?

Many fermented foods are made by adding a starter culture of bacteria to a food. Thus, yogurt and kefir are made when a culture is added to milk, while kombucha is made when a culture is added to a sweetened tea.
Fermented vegetables are created by shredding or cutting the vegetable into small pieces, which are then packed into an airtight container with some salt water.

Best Fermented Foods

The best fermented foods are the ones that you enjoy! There are a wide variety to choose from:
Cultured Dairy Products
Even if you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to enjoy cultured dairy products as the bacteria within the products have already broken down the offending lactose.

• Cultured buttermilk
• Fermented cottage cheese
• Kefir
• Yogurt

Non-Dairy Alternatives
These products are a good option if you think you have a sensitivity to dairy products:

• Coconut kefir
• Coconut yogurt
• Soy kefir
• Soy yogurt

Fermented Beverages
Note: Some fermented beverages contain trace amounts of alcohol. Read labels carefully so that you know what you are drinking.

• Kombucha
• Kvas
• Rejuvelac

Fermented Vegetables
Here are some examples of popular vegetables for fermenting. Click on each link to see how easy it is to make your own!

• Fermented Carrots
• Lacto-fermented Green Beans
• Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
• Fermented Radishes
• Natto (fermented soybeans)

Kimchi
Kimchi is a fermented dish that is an important part of a traditional Korean diet. Kimchi consists of a mix of a variety of vegetables and spices. Cabbage is typically a main ingredient, as is some fish. Here are some recipes for making kimchi:

• Homemade Kim Chee
• Baechu Kimchi
• Oi Sobaegi

How to Add Fermented Foods to Your Diet

You can choose to make your own or purchase fermented foods from stores that specialize in natural foods. Make sure to purchase products that are raw and unpasteurized, as the pasteurization process kills the very bacteria that you are seeking!
Typically, fermented foods are consumed with meals as a condiment. When adding fermented foods to your diet, start slowly to allow your body time to adjust. No need to rush - fermented foods can be stored in your refrigerator for six to eight months.