The Health Benefits of Fermented Food

Many people sleep on the many health benefits of consuming fermented food. One of the reasons behind this may be that these foods are not commonly found in our refrigerators.

Also, while sourdough, yoghurt, and miso may be found in our meals from time to time, fermented vegetables such as natto, pickles, and kimchi are often an acquired taste.

But fermented foods are actually among the healthiest things you can eat. For fermented food skeptics, here are some reasons why you should add these foods to your diet more often.

Digestion

Some people have a harder time digesting food. This could be due to an illness or old age. Fermented foods are easier to digest as these foods have already begun the process of digestion outside the body, breaking down the material that makes up the food item.

For instance, lactose-intolerant individuals usually experience bloating and diarrhea after consuming milk or other milk byproducts. However, they will be able to digest yoghurt easily, says a medically-reviewed article published in Everyday Health.

Introduce good bacteria and vitamins

Fermented foods can stimulate the production of vitamin B3 inside the body by introducing more good bacteria to your gut. Fermented foods are also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, and K, which the body cannot produce.

Aside from these, the introduction of good bacteria to your gut also lowers your intestine’s pH levels, making for an environment where it’s unlikely for harmful bacteria to survive, says Cleveland Clinic.

Stronger immune system

A large percentage of a person’s immune system happens to be found in the gut. Fermented foods cause your stomach to have a more diverse population of microorganisms. Probiotic-rich, fermented foods support the stomach’s natural lining, effectively making the immune system stronger.

Medical professionals also often link fermented food to lesser risk of chronic illnesses, including chronic inflammatory problems. They are seen to potentially ease the inflammation of lymph nodes, ENT Doctor Singapore says.

These should be enough reasons to add fermented food to your weekly meal plan. If you’re not too familiar with storing fermented foods and taking advantage of their longer shelf life, experts recommend keeping your refrigerator’s temperature at optimal levels: check the labels on your fermented food packages to find out what temperature to store them.