Fermented foods are also known as cultured foods. These are foods that have been cultured by adding healthy bacteria. The bacteria munch on the sugars in the food and break it down.
This process helps to preserve food in a healthy way. It also stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria and turns average foods into probiotics. Probiotics help to improve digestion and even improve your immune system.
Many people have found that adding fermented foods to their diets have helped with weight loss, immunity, irritable bowel syndrome, and even skin conditions. While fermented foods may seem strange in the beginning, they’ve actually been around for thousands of years and many common foods undergo the process.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important fermented foods you can add to your diet to improve your health.
Pickles
Pickles are actually some of the most commonly found fermented foods. You may have been eating them for years without realizing how good they are for you. They’re full of probiotics and can provide you with delicious flavor.
Yogurt
Yogurt is actually made by adding bacteria to milk. It can also be made with coconut milk or soy milk if you prefer to stay away from dairy products. Yogurt provides your body with lots of healthy bacteria and enzymes.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean food that’s made from fermented cabbage. This food is known to help your digestive system function better. It’s also known to improve your skin and is commonly considered a food for beauty.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is another form of fermented cabbage. It’s known to improve your brain health and improve your mood. This can be made with just a few ingredients at home.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that also happens to be a bit fizzy. It contains many different types of microorganisms that help build a strong digestive and immune system. You’ll need a starter to culture the tea, but you can make it at home once you’ve obtained one.
Miso
Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and grains. It’s commonly found in miso soup combined with vegetables and water. This paste is full of vitamins and minerals as well as healthy bacteria.
Adding fermented foods to your diet can do wonders for your health. They often have strong flavor that can take some getting used to. But once you become accustomed to the taste of fermented foods you’ll grow to love them as part of a clean eating program.
