Why Fermented Foods ?

Why Fermented Foods ? 

If you’ve been following me for awhile now you’ll already know that I love and my passion is around fermented foods. The trend of fermented foods is growing stronger as more people are beginning to be more aware of fermenting and the benefits. There are many reasons! Did you know when you ferment it takes out the sugar? And makes it 100% sugar free ? 

What are fermented foods ? 

• 

Fermented foods is another way to preserve your foods by adding salt for a wild ferment or a culture for cultured ferment. This will make it last longer but when fermented it takes it to new level which gives the food an amazing boost. Also changing the taste and adds in lots of different beneficial probiotic that are important for our gut microbiome to keep our bugs and our wellbeing happy and healthy. It’s an amazing process fermentation, I could keep on writing for ages about fermented foods hehe…… 

Fermenting is actually really simple. It’s so easy, and has many benefits. I must also mention it’s a lot of fun. During the fermentation process, it eats up all the sugar and replaces it with good bacteria. The carbohydrates (sugars) in the food after being left at room temperature for a period of time allow the beneficial flora to reproduce which will replace it with beneficial probiotic.

Microorganisms transform sugars into acids or alcohol. The result? A highly nutritious, beneficial  probiotic-rich food that is amazing for our gut, digestion and immunity. 

When fermenting foods it changes the colour, texture and deepen the flavour to bring the flavour out even more and gives it a tangy taste. When you add in the culture to the fermenting process it breaks down certain elements in the food that can be difficult for some people to digest and which increases bio- availability of vitamins and minerals also supporting digestion. 

Sally Tip: It’s beneficial and great to have a spoon of ferment on the side of each and every meal. 

Interesting facts: 

Our gut microbiome (AKA gut flora). 

• There are 10x more microbes in out bodies than there are human cells. 
• Our gut microbiome promotes a normal gastrointestinal function,
• Regulates our metabolism, nutrient absorption, houses 80% of our immune system, 70% of dopamine (adrenaline) and 90% of serotonin are produced in our guts. 

It’s pretty amazing isn’t it, and that isn’t even the end of the wonderful process called fermented foods and the microbiome. 

Why I eat fermented foods – 

I have discovered that raw foods don’t agree with me and my body as I can’t digest them properly and I respond better to having fermented foods. I also feel so much better from it and the benefits are so good. I love the variety that you can make and do with fermented foods and fermenting is fun! 

The benefits of fermented foods includes: 

• 

• Improve digestion. 
• Build Immunity.
• Helps manage weight.
• Take out the sugar and make it 100% sugar free.
• Restore the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome.
• Supports to absorb the nutrients from our food. 
• Helps to remove toxins from the body. 
• Fermented foods keep longer.
• Rich in probiotics, vitamins and minerals. 
• Improve bowel health. 
• Increased energy from Vitamin B12 production. 
• Increases vitamin A & C levels.
• Helps to destroy candida.
• Budget friendly. 
• Fermented foods bring out more of the flavour.
• Eliminates anti-nutrients. 
• Eating fermented foods will introduce beneficial bacteria into your digestive system, help the balance of bacteria in your digestive system and activates beneficial enzymes. 

Here is one of my basic recipe for fermenting that you might enjoy to try –  http://sallyannebower.com/saurekraut-making/

If you would like to purchase some cultures I use and recommend Kultured Wellness cultures.

Happy Fermenting 

With Love Sally- Anne x