For centuries our ancestors all around the world have preserved foods and drinks by using a natural method called fermentation.
Fermentation is a process that foods go through with little or no help from us. The fermentation process involves the action of microorganisms where they feed on starch or sugars and convert these into alcohol or acid. People have made various foods and drinks across centuries by a means to enjoy foods in different forms and to preserve them for when they were not plentiful or when they were not in season.
Fermented foods that are made at home and not pasteurised are a source of healthy bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to health. In particular digestive health. Yoghurt, kefir, cider, vinegar, wine, kombucha, cheese, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, beer are all products of fermentation.
- fermented foods with their beneficial bacteria and yeasts support a healthy gut microbiome. This means they top up your gut with healthy bugs and in return, you may experience improved gut function. This may involve less bloating, flatulence or more regular and satisfactory bowel movements.
- they are packed with nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, pre-digested proteins, pre-digested sugars in the case of lactose in milk making them more bioavailable and tolerable for the body.
- the fermentation process makes some nutrients more bioavailable such as sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol in cruciferous vegetables, more vitamin C in sauerkraut, phytates are broken down in grains making minerals more bioavailable to the body.
- they make it hard to digest foods easier to digest such as cabbage and soy.
These are just a few good reasons to incorporate fermented foods into your diet to benefit your health. There are massive amounts of beneficial organisms in fermented foods and drinks if they are done properly and as they are eaten or drunk in food form the body is more likely to allow these organisms to travel to the gut to allow them to do their good deeds there.
Here on my blog you can find some great fermented food and drink recipes. Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Beetroot and horseradish radish, Milk Kefir just to name a few.
Would you like to learn how to ferment your own foods and drinks? Sign up to my next popular fermentation workshop where I will teach you how to ferment successfully. I love teaching fermentation workshops and sharing the benefits of fermentation!
The best way to hear about my fermentation workshops is to subscribe to my newsletter so you can hear when I set my next workshop up.
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