You may simply love the taste of sauerkraut on your German hot dog, but did you know the fermented condiment is also really good for your digestive system and wellness?
Naturally fermented foods are rich in digestive enzymes, healthy bacteria and probiotics which have been proven to aid digestion, add to overall health and immunity and help keep your moods on an even keel.
They’re also delicious and come in many varieties, some of which you can make yourself. As the wellness benefits of fermented foods become better known, there is an increasing selection of fermented condiments and beverages to choose from in our local health food stores and groceries.
The probiotics contained in fermented foods are friendly bacteria, accompanying enzymes, b-vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids formed via lacto fermentation (the process by which natural bacteria ferments by feeding on sugar and starch). The resulting lactic acid also preserves foods naturally, although fermented foods should be refrigerated once fermentation is complete. Easier digestion of vital nutrients is another bonus of the natural fermentation process.
The Journal of Applied Microbiology has documented many benefits of probiotics and naturally fermented foods including improving health of the digestive tract, enhancing the immune system, reducing symptoms of allergies and lactose intolerance and even reducing the risk of some forms of cancer.
Meanwhile, a relatively new term, psychobiotics is used to describe probiotic organisms in the gut that may be of significant benefit to those suffering from mood disorders and other psychiatric conditions. Studies at MIT have shown that certain probiotics can increase levels of oxytocin, improving mood, appearance and general health.
Kimchi is a spicy and sour Korean side dish made from a variety of naturally fermented vegetables including Napa cabbage, onions, cucumber and radish, plus stock, fish sauce and red chili. Sauerkraut or “sour cabbage” is a relatively common European fermented condiment. If you want to obtain the most probiotic benefit from eating kimchi and sauerkraut look for naturally fermented, unpasteurized products.
Naturally fermented yogurt is perhaps the most widely consumed cultured milk product, rich in probiotics and healthy enzymes. While kefir is a cultured milk drink originating in Eastern Europe made from adding kefir grains (the fermentation yeast or starter source) to milk. It has a sweet and sour taste similar to yogurt but contains even more probiotics. Finally, kombucha is an ancient drink, a slightly fizzy fermented tea made by a symbiotic culture of healthy bacteria and yeast.
Adding fermented foods to your diet will add delicious flavour and variety to your meals and may even improve your overall health, mood and wellness.
