Most individuals who care about keeping their digestive tracts in good shape prioritise getting enough fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics in their diets. Yet, fermented foods, which are typically disregarded, might give tremendous advantages for your gut health.
Traditional diets all throughout the globe often include fermented foods. Foods like kimchi in Korea and sauerkraut in Germany have been enjoyed for ages due to their distinctive taste and beneficial properties.
The remarkable benefits of fermented foods for gut health have just recently been uncovered by experts. The advantages of fermented foods are unexpected, ranging from better digestion to enhanced immunity.
Here, we’ll delve into the research on fermented foods and their unexpected effects on digestive health.
Table of Contents
The Unexpected Benefits of Fermented Foods on Digestive Health
What are Fermented Foods?
Fermented foods are those that have undergone the lacto-fermentation process, in which lactic acid is produced by natural bacteria by breaking down the food’s sugar and starch. The food is preserved while enzymes, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics of different strains are produced.
Foods that have been fermented include:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Sourdough bread
- Fermented vegetables
How Do Fermented Foods Improve Gut Health?
The gut health benefits of fermented foods may be achieved via a few different pathways:
Fermented foods, which are high in probiotics, are a great way to stock up on the good bacteria that live in and maintain a healthy digestive tract. These microorganisms enhance the immune system, decrease inflammation, and are beneficial to digestion and nutrition absorption.
The good bacteria in your digestive tract thrive on a diet of prebiotics, which may be found in fermented foods. Prebiotics promote the health and growth of these bacteria by providing them with a food source.
Enzymes: The presence of enzymes in fermented foods facilitates digestion and nutrient absorption.
Anti-nutrients, which prevent the body from properly absorbing the nutrients in food, are reduced during the fermentation process.
The Unexpected Ways Fermented Foods Improve Digestive Health
More Digestive Enzymes and Better Nutrient Absorption are both Results of the Increased Beneficial Bacteria Found in Fermented Foods.
Improved defences The gut houses a large portion of the immune system, and eating fermented foods is a great way to increase the number of good bacteria there.
Inflammation Down: Fermented foods bring down inflammation by decreasing bad gut bacteria and increasing good, anti-inflammatory bacteria.
A lower risk of developing chronic illnesses including diabetes type 2, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer has been linked to eating fermented foods.
FAQs
How many servings of fermented foods should I have daily?
One serving of fermented foods per day is recommended by experts, however more may be eaten if desired.
Are fermented foods safe to eat?
In general, eating fermented foods is harmless; but, some individuals may feel gastrointestinal distress from doing so, especially if they consume excessive quantities or are sensitive to certain kinds of fermented foods. It’s advisable to take it slow and build up your tolerance.
Can someone who is lactose intolerant consume fermented foods?
Several fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles, are naturally lactose-free. Nonetheless, lactose may still be present in fermented dairy products such as yoghurt and kefir.
When compared with probiotic pills, do fermented foods fare better?
Although probiotic pills may be an effective means of introducing helpful bacteria to the digestive tract, fermented foods are frequently a safer and more cost-effective option.
Conclusion
There are many surprising advantages of eating fermented foods that may be the secret to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. You may enhance your digestion, strengthen your immune system, and decrease inflammation by eating fermented foods. Try them out and discover whether their health benefits are worth it to you. Keep in mind that eating fermented foods on a regular and moderate basis is the key to experiencing their health advantages.
