We were using more fermented foods in the past. With the modern lifestyle and food habits, fermented food items are becoming rare. We have started to use vinegar and commercial yeast instead of the natural wild yeast. The pasteurization process of milk and cheese kills all the useful bacteria needed in our gut. Wine making is an industry that is completely dependent on fermentation. Our ancient history provides enough evidences for the use of fermented beverages. The good bacteria’s in our gut helps release the nutrients in our food. The important advantages of having fermented food are discussed here.
Improved Digestion
When you are fermenting the food you are partially preparing it for proper digestion. Many people have lactose intolerance and hence cannot digest milk. Such people can use yogurt as the lactose in the milk will be converted to yogurt during fermentation. Yogurt is easily digestible than lactose.
Maintaining Good Fauna In The Gut
Lack of good bacteria in the gut can cause many health problems like constipation, yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and allergies. Fermented food items help to maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut and prevent such conditions.
Rich Supply Of Enzymes
We need enzymes in our body for the proper working of our body and to remain healthy. We need different enzymes for the proper digestion and absorption of food and for the synthesis of various proteins. When you age, the enzyme supply in our body decreases and we will have to depend for the external supply of enzymes. Fermented food items will contain the necessary enzymes for the proper working and digestion of the body. If you want to live a long and healthier life you have to include the fermented food items in your diet.
Helps In Nutrient Absorption
For the proper functioning of the body it is necessary that the nutrients present the food ingested by us should be absorbed into the blood. The fermented products improve digestion and thereby help in the proper absorption of essential nutrients. The fermented foods are an inexpensive option to have healthy food. The food of the flavor increases when it gets fermented. Wine, cheese and bread are real examples.
Rich In Vitamins
The fermented food items have more vitamin content than the unfermented items. Fermentation increases the level of folic acid present in the food item. Folic acid is a nutrient which is necessary for the growth of the embryos. Vitamin B, riboflavin and biotin present in the fermented food also improves the nutritional value of the food.
How To Include More Fermented Items In The Diet?
Take bread which is made by using sourdough instead of the bread produced using commercial yeast. Drink more fermented beverages like kefir. Use more naturally fermented condiments in the diet, like sour cream, salsa, ketchup, mayonnaise etc. Include yogurt and whey which are easily available and cheaper fermented items. So, fermented items improve the quality of food you are taking and provide many benefits.
