Fermentation's Health Benefits

Fermentation's Health Benefits

The western world is extremely behind on discovering the immense benefits of eating fermented food, in fact, Korea and Japan have taken advantage of the wondrous health benefits of bacteria-rich food centuries ago.

Despite all of the many milestones the human race has achieved, the nutritional value of our diet has progressively declined. At one time, certain foods were filled with enzymes and probiotics, both of which are essential for a positive well-being. Now you will find that raw milk has been replaced with pasteurized milk, traditional fermented pickles and sauerkraut have been replaced with vinegar-based versions, homemade yogurt has been replaced by pasteurized yogurt, and so on.

The health benefits of integrating even a small amount of fermented foods into your diet every day are vast. It is essential for healthy digestive function, weight loss, boosting your immune system, skin problems as well as increased resistance to colds, flu and infections.

Consuming fermented produce introduces beneficial bacteria to your body. This ‘good bacteria’, known as probiotics, is essential for a healthy and properly functioning digestive system. Consuming the proper amount of probiotics has shown to improve bowel health, immunity, aid in digestion and even slow or stop the symptoms of certain diseases

Improved Nutrient Absorption

During the fermentation process the food becomes even more nutritious, but more importantly it enables your body to absorb vitamins and nutrients from other foods you eat much more efficiently.

When you have the right balance of gut bacteria and digestive enzymes, your body is able to absorb more nutrients from the foods you consume. By including fermented foods alongside a healthy diet the amount of nutrients your body can absorb will skyrocket. If you are consuming other superfoods on a daily basis (such as almonds, salmon or kale), by integrating even a small serving of fermented foods into your diet, your body will be able to absorb and utilise the nutrients of other foods more effectively, which in turn promotes well-being and a much stronger immune system.

You won’t need to waste money buying supplements and vitamins anymore if you’re absorbing the right amount of nutrients from the food you eat at home.

Weight Loss

One of the reasons cited for the increase in obesity over the last few years is the imbalance of ‘bad bacteria’ which can cause inflammation in the gut and lead to weight gain. This is where fermented food comes into play. Consuming even a small serving of fermented foods every day changes the way our body absorbs and digests nutrients. It eliminates bad bacteria in your gut and intestines, makes your body more resistant to insulin and lowers blood pressure.

Reports have shown that consuming fermented or cultured foods over the course of 12 weeks could have incredible effects on your metabolism as well as your hair and skin.

Some studies show a reduction of 5% body fat by making no other dietary changes except including a small amount of fermented food in your diet. Once a natural balance is regained, your body will eliminate fat which no longer needs to protect your organs from the acidity produced when eating unhealthy foods.

It is also worth noting that fermented foods are extremely low in calories, with 1 cup of sauerkraut or kimchi totaling around 30 calories – so you can enjoy fermented foods guilt free!

Antidepressant and Mood Enhancer

Over the last few years scientists have made considerable progress into researching the consumption of good bacteria and the mood-altering benefits it may have on the brain. Neuro-chemicals are one of the most important element that affect a person’s mood. They influence your brain activity and regulate your mood in terms of how you think and feel.

Neurochemicals are actually produced in your gastrointestinal tract which is why eating foods rich in good-bacteria can have such a significant impact on how you feel during the day.
The mood altering probiotics in fermented and preserved foods have also been linked to lower levels of stress hormones and studies have shown frequent consumption will help reduce depression and anxiety.

All Natural Detoxification

Chelators are tiny molecules that bind tightly to metal ions, and fermented foods are full of them.

Consuming foods rich in chelators can help detoxify your body by drawing out a wide array of heavy metals and toxins. Including these superfoods in your diet can aid your liver in detoxifying damaging substances and enhances your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients