Should I Be Eating Fermented Foods?

Fermented foods are those that have undergone a process called fermentation. This is where microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, convert some of the sugars in a substance into alcohol or acids. These alcohols and acids act as preservatives to maintain the food product for a longer period of time.

Common fermented foods include yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, natto, cheese, and kombucha. Incorporating some of these foods into your diet can be beneficial for your physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of fermented foods include:

• Improved digestion and gut health due to the probiotic contents
• Increased availability of nutrients
• Antimicrobial benefits
• Antioxidant effects by reducing oxidative damage in the cells
• They taste great!