Fermented Foods List And Their Benefits

In many countries, fermented foods are a dietary staple because of their health benefits.

Food made from yeast is called fermented food. Under fermentation, microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria convert carbohydrates such as starch and sugar into alcohols or acids. Fermentation acts as a preservative to add flavor to your food.

The alcohol or acid acts as a natural preservative and when fermented it gives a distinct flavor and hardness to foods.

Ancient cultures found that fermented foods are rich in digestive probiotics and have various health benefits ranging from improving digestion to boosting the immune system. And these foods last a long time without rotting.

The fermented process is still used today for the production of foods such as cheese, wort, yogurt, and kombucha.

What are the health benefits of fermented food?

No matter how delicious these cultured creations may taste, the reality is that there’s much more to eating fermented foods than their great taste—there are some incredible health benefits, too. And while most people are familiar with the gut-boosting properties and their healing properties go beyond the gut.

Probiotic power

Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are known as ‘good’ bacteria for the digestive system. Also, fermented foods improve the immune system.

The probiotics in yogurt, fermented milk, and other fermented foods help restore the proper bacterial balance in your intestines. The fermented version reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance and reduces the prevalence of allergies in susceptible people.

Although probiotics are often referred to as “beneficial bacteria,” that is technically an incomplete description.

Easy Digestion

Fermented food is easier to digest and probiotics may ease the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder.

Probiotics also help restore the balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines and reduce digestive cravings.

The fermentation process breaks down many nutrients; Thus, the stomach and intestines help in alleviating certain problems.

Strengthens immunity

Another benefit of fermented food is that it boosts your immune system, reducing your chances of getting colds and infections in return for its high probiotic content.

Many fermented foods are rich in vitamin C, iron, and zinc – these have a significant effect on the immune system and boost your immune system also.

Prevents cancer

Fermented foods boost immunity, which can help fight cancer. Some research suggests that probiotics may reduce the exposure of healthy cells to chemical carcinogens.

Weight loss

Studies have found links between certain probiotic strains – including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus galleri – that have helped with weight loss and reduced abdominal fat.

Heart health

Consuming foods may lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and help “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Fermented Foods and Drinks

These fermented foods and drinks are rich in healthful nutrients – They have been shown to improve digestion, better immunity, and even increased weight loss. gut health fermented foods

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented and slightly alcoholic, sweet tea that is fizzy, pungent, and delicious. Black tea or green tea is used in this, with fruit juices, spices, or other flavorings sometimes also added to promote powerful health.

Animal and test-tube studies have found that kombucha may help induce cancer cell death, protect against liver toxicity, lower blood sugar, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels. (study)

You can also make kombucha at home to prevent excessive fermentation.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented dairy product that is a combination of yeast and bacteria – often compared to yogurt.

Studies show that kefir offers probiotic benefits – from digestion to inflammation known to contribute to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made by fermenting apple juice. Talking about its use, it is used to enhance the flavor of different types of dishes. However, due to its acidic taste, it is forbidden to eat it directly.

Apple cider vinegar is also used as a food preservative. It prevents the spread of bacteria and infection in food and drink.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean Cuisine dish. Although people in South Korea eat it with more fervor. Kimchi is usually made from fermented vegetables such as cabbage or cabbage or radishes.

Studies have shown that it may be particularly effective in lowering cholesterol and reducing insulin resistance.

Probiotic yogurt

The gut health fermented food – Yogurt, is produced from milk, mostly with lactic acid bacteria, and fermented milk is produced from the skin. It is high in several important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.

Fermented milk products, including probiotic yogurt, may help lower blood pressure, especially in patients with high blood pressure, and may help improve bone health.

Tempeh

Tempeh, a product made from fermented soybeans, is a high-protein meat substitute. Half a cup of tempeh contains over 16 grams of protein. You can also add it to the sourdough before cooking to add flavor. You can also lightly fry or steam it to make it crispy from the outside.

Certain plant compounds in tempeh may act as antioxidants that may promote heart health, and may even contribute to chronic disease.

Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Its ammonia-like smell and mucus-like viscosity are not liked by even those who have grown up eating it.

Made from fermented soybeans, this natto is served as part of a digestive boosting snack.

Conclusion

Fermented foods, also known as cultured foods, actively break down sugars.

Under fermentation, microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi convert the organic compound into acid. This acid acts as a preservative for the shelf life of many foods.

In addition to containing beneficial probiotics, fermented foods have been associated with improvements in digestion, immunity, weight loss, and more.