While it may seem like there’s always the latest food fad, the fact is that sometimes the simplest is just the best. Fermented foods are one of them. Fermentation is a longstanding practice that works to preserve foods and boosts the amount of probiotics in your gut. Probiotics are essential for a healthy digestion system, and no, you don’t need to take supplements in order to make good things happen.
Why Do I Need Probiotics?
Probiotics are a collection of healthy bacteria that can do things like improve your digestion, boost your metabolism and even increase your immunity. As a result, many people find they experience less bloating and stomach pains and have even started to lose weight. While eating or drinking fermented items is far from the only approach you can take to enjoy a healthy diet, it is a good way to introduce those necessary probiotics.
Fermented foods can also add that sharp, acidic bite to your food or drink, which, if you love, you love.
How to Eat More Fermented Foods
Fermentation is a process that both preserves foods and draws out the healthy bacteria in the foods. There are so many different options. In fact, you can even start fermenting foods right at home. For those of you without the space in your fridge or the time in your day, however, look for these foods either in your local shop or online:
- Kombucha
Kombucha is an ancient, fermented tea drink. It’s been around for over two millennia, first in China, then in Japan, and now everywhere. It’s a sweet and sour drink that really packs a punch and is made when you combine black tea, yeast and sugar together. The drink is then jarred and left to ferment. What you get is a drink full of flavour, probiotics and even B vitamins.
As with anything that hits the mainstream, there are also many different options out there today. You can opt for different flavours or even try this CBD kombucha drink for double the wellness power.
- Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product that may taste like yoghurt but is slightly different. It’s made by adding kefir to milk. Kefir itself is a bacteria-boosted yeast mixture, and adding it to the milk kickstarts the fermentation process. Some use it for digestion, others to help decrease symptoms caused by inflammation. So long as you don’t have a lactose intolerance, kefir can be a great substitute for yoghurt for your morning breakfast.
- Tempeh
Tempeh is fermented soybeans that have been pressed into a cake. It’s high in protein, probiotics and other nutrients that are great for your health. Thanks to its dense form and ability to hold its shape, it’s a top choice for vegetarians and vegans looking for a tasty substitute for their sandwich fillings.
- Fermented Cabbage
There are several different cuisines that have tackled fermented cabbage. Kimchi is one of the most famous. Not only does it pack a lot of flavour, but as a fermented option, it also helps boost dietary health and can even be useful in lowering cholesterol.
Another popular fermented cabbage dish (that may also have other ingredients in it) is sauerkraut. This low-calorie, full-flavour dish is a great addition to your sandwiches or as a side. On top of probiotics, sauerkraut typically has antioxidants to help improve eye health.
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