29 May Make Friends with Ferments

Does the idea of fermentation freak you out? Do you cringe at the idea of bacteria overgrowth on your food? Does the idea of pungent food make you start to salivate? Have no fear and make friends with ferments!

Fermented foods have been use for decades to nourish the body and prevent disease. Fermenting was a tool that our ancestors used to preserve food and has now become one of the trendiest health foods.

What are fermented foods?

Fermentation is a natural process that converts sugar into an alcohol, gas or acid. During this organic process, bacteria or yeast is required as a catalyst to convert the carbohydrate into alcohol, gas or organic acids.

Benefits of fermented foods

Optimized Digestion

Beans, legumes and grains contain anti-nutrients such as phytates and lignans. They act like a blanket to the good nutrients in food and cause digestive issues such as gas and bloating. During fermentation, these anti-nutrients are broken down which allows for optimal digestion.

Protects the Gut Lining

Fermented foods contain healthy live bacteria which nourish and protect the mucus membranes in the gut. Not only are fermented foods a great source of probiotics, they also work synergistically with your unique bacterial profiles to help your natural microbiome flourish.

Enhances bioavailability of nutrients

When foods are fermented and the anti-nutrients or protective layers are broken down, the good nutrients are exposed and are easier to absorb. Nutrients become more bioavailable through fermentation, and the body is able to absorb more of what it needs.

Types of fermented foods

• Saurkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Tempeh
• Beer
• Wine
• Sourdough bread

Photo by Julia Luymes

Not only do fermented foods boost the immune system and help to reduce toxicity build up by maintaining regular elimination, the healthy bacteria from fermented foods can also reduce allergies and cold’s/flu’s.

TIP: to optimize your digestion and flourish your gut bacteria, enjoy 1-2 tablespoons of pungent sauerkraut on your salad or add 2 tablespoons of bacteria rich kefir to your morning smoothie.

If you are looking for more ways to incorporate friendly ferments into your daily routine, check out our latest vlog & our new fermented wrap & salad recipes.

Written by our in-house RHN Marissa Laughlin