It’s been a little over two years since I began my journey into making fermented foods. It has been such a fun experience that I have really enjoyed! Who knew that crocks, covered major jars and natural carbonation bubbles could get someone so excited! I have to admit, at first I was scared to try it, and with each and every new ferment I would pray that I wouldn’t kill myself or my family, but the more I became comfortable and began to see the amazing benefits, I became hooked. This post will share with you the amazing benefits of fermented foods and why you should jump on the bandwagon and include these foods into your diet to improve your overall health and well-being.
What is Fermenting?
Fermentation has been used by humans for the production of food and beverages for centuries. Fermentation is employed for preservation in a process that produces lactic acid as found in such sour foods as pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut and yogurt, as well as for producing alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and Kombucha. It is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases and/or alcohol. Fermented foods and beverages are high in natural probiotics and have many health benefits. The art of fermentation has been replaced with high heat pasteurization and commercial preservatives which means that are bodies are missing out on these beneficial bacterias. Many experts believe that this could be the reason for mysterious viruses, intestinal parasites and chronic health problems that seem to becoming more and more common.
Health Benefits of Fermented Foods
Fermented foods have numerous health benefits because they contain essential probiotics which help beneficial bacteria to flourish in the gastrointestinal system. Healthy gut flora helps to treat and prevent diseases such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Dermatitis
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Heart Disease
- Common Cold
Fermented foods are the most potent form of probiotics available. One tablespoon of fermented sauerkraut contains more natural probiotics than an entire bottle of probiotic capsules. The beneficial bacteria helps to draw out toxins and heavy metals and helps our body to better absorb nutrients from our foods. You can honestly ferment just about anything! Yogurt, salsa, garlic, mustard, pickles and pretty much any fruit or vegetable!
Making your own fermented foods and drinks is very easy and extremely cost effective I always have something fermented and we include these foods and drinks into our diets daily. If you are looking to get started with fermented foods Click Here for Oh Lardy’s New Book- Oh Lardy’s Guide to Fermented Fruit and Vegetables and enter code FERMENT30 to get 30% off the price by November 26th! This book is nothing short of amazing! It goes into great details all about how to begin fermenting and helps you get past the fears and any problems that newbies might encounter! And the recipes have inspired me to create even more fermented goodies for my family! We love including fermented foods in our diet and have been enjoying the benefits they have to offer.
