Fermented foods keep your gut healthy and happy! More than 2000 years ago Greek Hippocrates stated that “all disease begins in the gut”. This statement still holds some truths to even this day, so there are lots of benefits of eating fermented foods.
The key role our digestive system plays in our health and wellbeing cannot be under estimated. Your gut health is essential if you want to look and feel your best. And one way to do this is through the power of food, in particular fermented foods. Here are 5 benefits of eating fermented foods plus which ones to add to your shopping list.
Why Fermented Foods are So Good For Us
Fermented foods are foods which have been through a process of lacto fermentation. This is where natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid. This process preserves the food, while also creating large numbers of beneficial enzymes, B-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and various strains of probiotics.
Benefits of eating fermented foods
There are so many reasons you should work fermented foods in to your diet from gut health to immunity. Here are 5 benefits of eating fermented foods:
Digestive Health
Eating fermented foods and drinking fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha will introduce beneficial bacteria into your digestive system. Probiotic rich foods also help to support bowel health, digestion and the immune system.
Fermented Foods for Bowel Health
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and many other intestinal problems are the direct result of a gut and digestive issues. But they are also conditions that can be effectively alleviated and even reversed through improvement in diet and the inclusion of probiotic foods.
Improve your immunity
Did you know that an estimated 80 percent of your immune system is actually located in your gut. Poor digestive/gut health automatically leads to a compromised immune system.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Another benefit of eating fermented foods is better nutrient absorption. A healthy balance of gut bacteria and digestive enzymes are essentials for ensuring your body is capable of absorbing nutrients from the food you eat.
Make your Own
It is very cost effective, if you are willing to make your own fermented foods at home and it can last for months. Lacto-fermentation allows you to store these foods for longer periods of time without losing the nutrients.
Fermented Foods & Probiotic Supplements
We stock a range of foods that help to support your gut health here in Evergreen such as kefir, miso and kombucha. Digestive support supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes and aloe vera can also help to aid your digestion naturally.
Fermented Foods to Add to Your Shopping List
The following foods and drinks are packed full of natural probiotics. Here are some brilliant fermented foods you should try and incorporate in to your diet.
- Kombucha
- Tempeh
- Sourdough bread
- Apple cider vinegar
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Yoghurt
If you're looking to try your hand at making kombucha, you can follow this easy recipe.
Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
Author: Helena Chambers
Checked and updated: 4 September 2021
