When it comes to the latest and greatest in health and wellness, fermented foods are trending. Fermented meals were often prepared by people before the invention of the refrigerator to delay spoilage.
The great effects fermented foods have on health are now getting the attention they deserve, owing to plain old-fashioned research. Here are several reasons to increase your intake of fermented foods:
Just What Does The Term "Fermented Food" Refer To? Fermentation extends the shelf life and prevents spoilage of food by converting sugars and starches into acids. A food's flavour and texture may be enhanced through fermentation.
Probiotics, or good bacteria, are created during fermentation and are therefore an integral element of the gut microbiome.
The gut lining functions as a barrier between the digestive tract and the rest of the body, allowing beneficial substances to enter while blocking out potentially detrimental ones. Probiotics, in a nutshell, aid in maintaining a healthy digestive tract.
Reasons to consume probiotics Because of the prevalence of processed foods in the traditional American diet, the widespread misuse of antibiotics, and the general rise in standards of personal hygiene, probiotics may be more crucial than ever before.
We have less of a chance to come into contact with bacteria, good or bad; this is especially important because an excess of bad bacteria can damage the lining of the digestive tract, leaving us more vulnerable to sickness. Eating fermented foods can be helpful in maintaining a favourable bacterial balance in the gut, which is essential for good health.
Nutritional Value of Fermented Foods
Benefits the digestive system Fermentation results in the production of beneficial microorganisms that aid digestive health. Lactose absorption is enhanced, and infections like H. pylori are fought off with frequent consumption of fermented foods.
Immune system booster Fermented foods have been shown to improve gut health, which in turn boosts immunity. They help fight inflammation because of the wide variety of nutrients they contain, including antioxidants.
When you factor in the helpful bacteria included in most fermented foods, you have a greater chance of preventing sickness and a shortened recovery time if you do become unwell.
Easier digestion Fermented foods contain bacteria, which begin to break down nutrients even before we take our first mouthful, making digestion more simpler.
They also aid in the digestion of anti-nutrients, which are naturally present in foods like nuts, legumes, and seeds and prevent the body from absorbing essential nutrients.
