Fermentation has been used for centuries as a way to safely preserve food. By lacto-fermenting foods, pathogens and toxins are broken down by beneficial microbes. For example, in Africa fermentation is used to remove poisonous cyanide from cassava root.
Simply put, fermented foods are any edibles or beverages that have undergone the fermentation process. This can be done with sugar, yeast, or beneficial bacteria cultures. Fermentation has been used for centuries to preserve food as it converts sugar and starch into lactic acid. Lactic acid has natural antibiotic properties and hinders the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the food and in your gut.
Today, fermenting foods are enjoyed simply for their health benefits and amazing taste. They are also a great way to preserve an abundance of produce grown in the garden. When you ferment with Pro EM-1® the process is easier and provides even more probiotic benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
If you're on the fence about trying fermented foods, check out the many benefits and make your own from your garden produce.
1. Fermented Food is a Probiotic
Fermented foods are full of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. These tiny microbes are key in keeping our bodies healthy and do everything from breaking down the food we eat to fighting of disease and pathogens.
Unfortunately, our modern diets of processed foods, antibiotics, and additives decrease populations of beneficial microbes and invite pathogenic bacteria to the gut. Adding fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can diversify the bacteria in your gut and significantly improve your health.
2. Increase Digestive health
Fermented foods have been proven to help improve digestion and balance the gut. The beneficial microorganisms are helpful in digesting the foods we eat into usable energy. When digestion works properly, more nutrients are released into the body.
Studies show that Lactobacillus are able to stick to the inside of the intestinal lining. Within the digestive system Lactobacillus can balance the acidity of the gut and control pH in a way that encourages more beneficial microbes and deters pathogenic bugs.
3. Increase Your Immune System
Our guts are the key to immune system health. In fact, around 80% of our immune health is held in our gut microbiome. Poor diets often cause a variety of ailments because of the lack of balance within the digestive system and gut. Those with a tendency to get sick with the cold or flu can benefit significantly by adding probiotics and fermented foods.
In addition, species such as Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces have natural antibiotic properties that prevent or decrease the development of pathogenic bacteria. Although not a replacement for any medicine or treatment, adding probiotic foods can be an important step in a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.
4. Full of Nutrition
By breaking down the sugars and carbohydrates, the beneficial microorganisms release essential nutrients from the vegetables or food being fermented. Most fermented foods are very high in vitamin K2 and several B vitamins.
For example, Sauerkraut or fermented cabbage contains high amounts of fiber, vitamin A, C, K and B and other nutrients like iron, copper, calcium and magnesium. Another favorite, Pickles, are extremely gut-friendly and contain natural antioxidants. Pickle juice also makes for a great electrolyte alternative to sugary drinks.
5. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Your gut health can dictate your overall health and your behavior towards a healthy lifestyle. Believe it or not, studies show diets high in probiotic and prebiotic foods change your brain's neurochemistry. In other words, when your gut microbiome is balanced, you're more likely to make healthier choices.
An unhealthy gut is a common cause of inflammation in the body, making weight lose challenging. Beneficial microorganisms from probiotics and probiotic foods, decrease inflammation over time. Fermented foods are a great alternative to processed condiments and can help you decrease the need for unhealthy, high sugar foods.
Try Some Pro EM-1® Fermented Recipes Now
